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Re: [kictanet] Refreshing - Fibre to Homes - Case Study MMU?
by Barrack Otieno 22 Mar '11

22 Mar '11

Thanks Bob for that insightfull write up i totally agree with your sentiments, i have noticed this is the strategy being deployed by Zuku, albeit the noise we have made as clients i would like to commend them for making an effort to deliver triple play services through the Fibre, i was a bit apprehensive about the termination as well considering the buildings where we are located were already 'cabled' and the management seemed adamant to allow the guys to overhaul the system in place, however they used Coaxial Cable for the last mile, i beleive this is the case in many other areas. I wonder whether it might be usefull for Edith to check with Multimedia University, i think they have a Campus Fibre network and some of the best engineers in town, Walu, any insights? Best Regards On Tue, Mar 22, 2011 at 10:46 AM, Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> wrote: > Thanks Robert for this useful information. You posit that "DSL still > remains the ideal last mile solution even where triple play is to be > delivered". > > With the recent bad experiences of listers, which is the best DSL > provider in Kenya? > > I'm still searching! > > Edith > *________________ * > > *Edith Ofwona Adera * > > Senior Program Specialist > > ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program > > International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le > développement international > > Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa > > Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke | www.idrc.ca | www.crdi.ca > > ------------------------------ > *From:* robert yawe [robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk] > *Sent:* 22 March 2011 08:21 > *To:* Edith Adera > > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] Refreshing - Fibre to Homes > > Hi Edith, > > The Jamii FTTH project is yet to be rolled out but on the same vein we > need to appreciate that FTTH is no longer the model of choice for delivery > of connectivity to the home due to the high cost of the termination > equipment and the process of repairing damaged fibre. > > It costs about 25,000/- to terminate a pair of fibre and since your > equipment in the home will most likely not have a fibre port you will > require to convert the light pulses to electrical signals that can be > delivered to your computers or set top boxes ethernet card. The cheap fibre > to Ethernet transceivers cost on average 15,000/-. > > Fibres high bandwidth capabilities and long runs are ideal for back-haul and > trunk applications, the last mile is still best served over copper due to > the ease of installation and maintenance. The bandwidth capabilities of > fibre optic cable will be underutilised in the home, DSL still remains the > ideal last mile solution even where triple play is to be delivered. > > As we develop more gated communities the safety of copper will be > increased therefore reducing the efforts of the providers to getting the > fibre to the gate. Also note that with fibre trying to implement voice > services such as intercom within a development will proof very expensive is > you will need to used SIP phones. With DSL the same cable delivering data > will be able to also delivery voice cost effectively. > > AccessKenya and the elk have been having an uphill task selling WiMax > equipment for 45,000/- and finally opted to supply the equipment for free. > In Runda where fibre has been widely buried the level of uptake is still > very low mainly due to the installation cost and resistance from home owners > to have their gardens dug up to lay the cable. > > As has been realised in the data centre copper still offers a better > solution to high-speed connectivity which explains why many switch > manufacturers have opted to slow development of higher speeds on their fibre > switches and instead are concentrating on increasing performance over > copper. > > > Robert Yawe > KAY System Technologies Ltd > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > Kenya > > Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> > *To:* robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > *Sent:* Mon, 21 March, 2011 15:03:30 > *Subject:* [kictanet] Refreshing - Fibre to Homes > > Listers, > > It was refershing to watch "Who Owns Kenya" on Citizen TV on Sunday and > learn that Jamii Telecom is rolling out fibre to the home as a major > project. > > Does anyone know if these services are already being provided by Jamii or > is this just a plan? > > Edith > > *________________ * > > *Edith Ofwona Adera * > > Senior Program Specialist > > ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program > > International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le > développement international > > Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa > > Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke | www.idrc.ca | www.crdi.ca > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… > > -- Barrack O. Otieno Afriregister Ltd (Kenya) www.afrire <http://www.afriregister.com>gister.bi, www.afriregister.com<http://www.afriergister.com> <http://www.afriregister.com>ICANN accredited registrar +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno

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Internet Economy - Is it really viable in Kenya
by Barrack Otieno 22 Mar '11

22 Mar '11

Listers, Interesting initiatives going on in this great republic with the ever diminishing quality of Internet services even with entry of fibre and considering that almost 60% of the economy is informal will we ever make it to the promised land? Who will rescue us.? -- Barrack O. Otieno Afriregister Ltd (Kenya) www.afrire <http://www.afriregister.com>gister.bi, www.afriregister.com<http://www.afriergister.com> <http://www.afriregister.com>ICANN accredited registrar +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno

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Update on Pasha Centres from Kenya ICT Board
by Paul Kukubo 22 Mar '11

22 Mar '11

Listers The Kenya ICT Board PASHA Project has now entered the selection and implementation stage for the first phase during which we anticipate to disburse 47 loans (one per county) to Pasha Entrepreneurs by mid 2011. At the close of the loan application on 25th February 2011, Family Bank received 689 applications out of a total of 800 inquiries that had been made. Most applications were submitted on the last day. The Kenya ICT Board has allowed close to a month for loan submissions from 24th January 2011 when the call for Applications was made. Applications received have been widespread across all counties. Important to note is that 25% of the applicants have been by women and we look forward to growing this in the future. We further note that business plans received from entrepreneurs who had previously participated in the nationwide Pasha business planning training offered by the KICTB tended to be very comprehensive. The Kenya ICT Board is working well with all network operators to ensure all centres have access to reliable internet connectivity and have the ability to offer citizens a suite of relevant and compelling services. Entrepreneurs will be able to offer services such as operator retail offers, e-learning, selling of accessories, faxing, internet access, etc, from within the PASHA centers. The Kenya ICT Board will conduct evaluations of the applications received on 11th of April 2011 and announce final successful loan applicants shortly thereafter. This is only the first phase of the Pasha Loan scheme; we eventually want to create a Pasha centre in every constituency, likely by end 2011. The Pasha project falls under the Kenya ICT Board’s digital inclusion pillar which aims to increase access to ICTs by citizens across Kenya. It complements the other Kenya ICT Board agenda to stimulate job and wealth creation in ICT through entrepreneurship. This in line with Kenya’ Vision 2030. ends Paul Kukubo Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 Fax: +254 20 2211962 website: www.ict.go.ke local content project: www.tandaa.co.ke, www.facebook.com/tandaakenya twitter:@tandaaKENYA BPO Project: www. doitinkenya.co.ke Digital Villages Project: www.pasha.co.ke personal contacts _______________ Cell: + 254 717 180001 googletalk: pkukubo personal blog: www.paulkukubo.co.ke personal twitter: @pkukubo facebook: facebook/pkukubo ____________________ Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment

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Fw: [AfriNIC-rpd] Reminder: Call for fellowship application - 1day left!
by Walubengo J 21 Mar '11

21 Mar '11

this closes kesho. go for it those who can. walu. --- On Mon, 3/21/11, Diane Nuteau <diane(a)afrinic.net> wrote: From: Diane Nuteau <diane(a)afrinic.net> Subject: [AfriNIC-rpd] Reminder: Call for fellowship application - 1day left! To: rpd(a)afrinic.net Date: Monday, March 21, 2011, 7:00 PM Dear Colleagues, Only one more day left to submit your fellowship application! Please note that we will only consider applications sent until 00:00 UTC. The fellowship is reserved in priority for individuals representing small organisations, universities, and media who are actively involved in Internet operations and development or ICT policy in their countries and respective communities. The fellow is expected to positively and actively contribute to IP address management awareness in the AfriNIC service region. To qualify for the fellowship, you: * should be a resident of Africa; * must not necessarily be an AfriNIC member; * should be from a technical (IT, Computer Science) background; * have not benefited from previous AfriNIC fellowships; * are willing to report on how this fellowship has benefited you/your organisation/country. Upon selection of the fellows, AfriNIC will notify the selected fellows directly and allow the fellow 7 days to reply with an acceptance of the fellowship. Public announcement of the fellowship winners will be made after the acceptance by the winners. For further information regarding the fellowship process please click on the following link: http://meeting.afrinic.net/afrinic-14/index.php/the-meeting/fellowship-prog… Good luck and regards, The AfriNIC Meeting Team AfriNIC | 11th Floor ABC | Raffles Tower | Cybercity | Mauritius Tel: +230 403 5100 |Fax: +230 466 6758 ********************** http://www.afrinic.net/ _______________________________________________ rpd mailing list rpd(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/rpd

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UK firm recommends fresh talent to revamp Posta
by alice＠apc.org 21 Mar '11

21 Mar '11

http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/UK+firm+recommends+fresh+… A UK consulting firm wants the Postal Corporation of Kenya to undergo a vigorous restructuring process aimed at getting on board a “younger, energetic talent” that can refine the agency to relevance in a competitive market. IBM Corporate Service Corps says in a report that PCK should also tap into new business opportunities such as offering government and banking agency services to boost its earnings. The firm said PCK should take advantage of its 700 outlets and partner with other government agencies to offer services such as motor vehicle registration, passport and personal identification numbers (PIN). The consulting firm was hired to find ways of making PCK competitive in the digital era. John Fredette of IBM said the corporation is in a position to bring banking services to a place people know and trust – their local Post office. “As PCK improves existing services and adds new offerings such as financial and government services – it will create improved access, speed and efficiency for Kenyan citizens – which will benefit the government as well,” Mr Fredette said. The report noted that one of the current challenges Kenyans are facing is accessing government services – with long processes and requirements for in-person transactions at public offices. PCK is facing stiff competition from Internet with statistics by Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) indicating that the number of letters sent by courier services in 2009 declined by 35.7 per cent from 113,781 letters during the previous quarter to 73,162 this quarter 2010. During the period under review the number of letters sent using postal services were recorded at 23 million down from 25 million letters posted the previous period. This represented a decline of 9.7 per cent. “This trend is indicative of the impact of increased penetration of Internet services on postal services,” read the report from CCK. Instant messaging, PDFs and e-mails as well as growth in Internet usage has reduced the need for letter writing, denting PCK revenue. Dwindling revenue To reverse its dwindling revenue, the report recommends that PCK has to consider establishing an executive level sales management team focused on new offerings, and implementing stricter accountability throughout organisation. The parastatal has a market share estimated at between 40 and 50 per cent yet it enjoyed monopoly status 13 years ago before the liberalisation of the telecoms and communication market in 1998.

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Re: [kictanet] [KICTAnet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!)
by Muchiri, Patricia 21 Mar '11

21 Mar '11

Good morning Edith, We have taken note and will endeavour to continue publizing this information. I request once again for individuals to lodge formal complaints to CCK. Your feedback is much appreciated. Regards, Patricia ________________________________ From: Edith Adera To: Muchiri, Patricia Cc: sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com ; ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com ; sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com ; support(a)ke.wananchi.com ; zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com ; felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com ; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions ; ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com ; poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com ; shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com ; supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke ; samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com ; jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com ; Kirui, Liston; Ooro, Juma Sent: Sat Mar 19 00:48:11 2011 Subject: RE: [KICTAnet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) Dear Patricia, Thanks for sharing this information - quite useful. You have your work cut out...much much more needs to be done for the common person to be aware of the complaints procedures and the results need to be published within the public domain including how complaints are being handled in all sub-sectors. It's not enough to have it tacked away on the website. Same applies to QoS performance info. The long string of complaints on the KICTANET list alone on ISP services is quite shocking, I can imagine if opened up to the public on all ICT services! It's the first I heard of chukua@hatua <mailto:chukua@hatua> , not sure about others. All the best! Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke | www.idrc.ca <http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca <http://www.crdi.ca/> ________________________________ From: Muchiri, Patricia [Muchiri(a)cck.go.ke] Sent: 17 March 2011 17:34 To: Edith Adera Cc: sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com; ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com; sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com; support(a)ke.wananchi.com; zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com; felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions; ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com; poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com; shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com; supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke; samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com; jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com; Kirui, Liston; Ooro, Juma Subject: RE: [KICTAnet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) Good evening Edith , As earlier promised below is some information to an enquiry you had raised earlier. I hope indeed that this information will be useful .Please let me know if any further information is required. Issues raised: Does CCK have a consumer affairs department. The Commission has a fully fledged Consumer affairs department that handles amongst other responsibilities, consumer complaints. We can be reached on chukua@hatua or complaints @cck.go.ke or on tel no. 020-445 555, 0714 444 555, 0737 445 555 or fax no. 4242394. Can the Commission’s consumer complaint procedures be published? The Commission does indeed have a complaints handling procedure which is in the form of the Kenya Information and Communications (Dispute Resolution) Regulations, 2010. The said regulations have clear steps on how the Commission is expected to handle every complaint/dispute between a consumer and a service provider. The Kenya Information and Communications (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2010, on the other hand outlines the rights and obligations consumers have as well as the obligations service providers have with regard to the services provided. Section 7 of these regulations also stipulate what service providers need to observe when dealing with the complaints raised by their customers as well as when customers may refer their complaints to the Commission or a third party (arbitrator –where such an arrangement exists). This procedure is as shown below. 7. Complaint handling procedures for licensees. (1) A licensee shall provide easily understood information about its complaint handling processes in various media and formats, including as specifically directed by the Commission from time to time. (2) A customer who wishes to lodge a complaint shall reduce the complaint in writing and lodge it within six months from the date of the incident that the complaint arises from. (3) A licensee shall acknowledge the receipt of a complaint filed with it. (4) A licensee shall where possible, advise a customer at the time of making the complaint on the expected action, timing for investigation and resolution of the complaint and in the event that the service provider regards the complaint as frivolous or vexatious, the consumer shall be informed accordingly. (5) A licensee shall resolve all complaints made by its customers within a reasonable time. (6) A licensee shall put in place a process to provide customer with sufficient information and the means to inquire on the progress of complaints and the processes may include complaint reference numbers or other identifiers in order to facilitate timely and accurate responses to subsequent inquiries by customers. (7) A licensee shall inform the customer of the outcome of the investigation of their complaint, and any decision of the licensee. (8) Where a customer is not satisfied with a decision made on a complaint, the licensee shall give the customer the option of pursuing an identified escalation process, where the decision may be examined by a suitably qualified person in the licensee’s organisation. (9) Where the consumer has already gone through the licensee’s escalation process and the complaint has not been resolved to the consumer’s satisfaction, the customer may refer the complaint to the Commission. (10) The complaint handling processes shall be provided free of charge. (11) Notwithstanding paragraph (10), where the investigation of the complaint requires the retrieval of records more than twelve months old or the retrieval results in any incremental expense or significant inconvenience to the licensee, a licensee may impose a reasonable charge for the complaint handling processes. (12) Any such charges shall be identified by the licensee, be agreed to by the customer and referred to the Commission before being imposed. (13) A licensee shall file, with the Commission, such information and statistics on all complaints reported, including those resolved and those outstanding, on a quarterly basis in the manner prescribed by the Commission from time to time. It will thus be noted that subsections (7) and (8) defines the exit conditions for consumers, upon which the Dispute Resolution regulations then kick in once the consumer has referred the matter to the Commission. The set of regulations detailing these procedures are available on CCK website for reference and are also contained in the downloadable Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998 document from the same website. With regard to publication of the complaints (dispute) resolution procedures, the Commission has been sharing this information with consumers through its outreach programs. Our contact information is also widely publicized. Please also note that data and statistics on complaints is available in the Commission’s annual report .Under the earlier regulations (The Kenya Communications Regulations, 2001) there was no provision for procedures on complaint handling. The Commission is in the process of embarking on the rollout of another phase of its Consumer education outreach program that will use various media platforms that will endeavour to share this information to the extent possible as well as continue exploiting various other channels to distribute brochures/flyers on the complaint handling procedures. Can QoS performance of all companies be made public? The Commission has recently begun the publication of quality of service performance information in accordance with The Kenya Information And Communications (Licensing And Quality Of Service) Regulations, 2010. It is important to note that this report was for mobile services only. The most recent report can be accessed from the link: http://www.cck.go.ke/consumers/other_info/quality_of_service.html <http://www.cck.go.ke/consumers/other_info/quality_of_service.html> . This is currently limited to being published once a year. Regards , Patricia Muchiri -Assistant Director Consumer Affairs Division Communications Commission of Kenya Tel: +254 20 4242412/413 Mobile: +254 722 836 959 Fax: +254 20 4242411 P.O Box 14448, Nairobi 00800 Nairobi KENYA Email: muchiri(a)cck.go.ke <mailto:muchiri@cck.go.ke> Website:http://www.cck.go.ke Disclaimer: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use by the individual(s) or entity to whom it is addressed to. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Additionally, if you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately by a reply e-mail. From: Edith Adera [mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke] Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 2:23 PM To: Muchiri, Patricia Cc: sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com; ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com; sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com; support(a)ke.wananchi.com; zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com; felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions; ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com; poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com; shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com; supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke; samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com; jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com Subject: RE: [KICTAnet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) Hi Patricia, My point is that it's best that complaint procedures are made publicly available to all Kenyans and sample cases of actions taken to build confidence (with enough advertising for everyone to know) - not every Kenyan has the priviledge of complaining on KICTANET and have action taken. In addition, we should have QoS performance of all companies published for consumers to make their choice. CCK needs to be more aggressive in adopting and implementing some of these best practices to protect consumers. Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke | www.idrc.ca <http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca <http://www.crdi.ca/> Error! Filename not specified. ________________________________ From: Muchiri, Patricia [Muchiri(a)cck.go.ke] Sent: 17 March 2011 13:30 To: Edith Adera Cc: sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com; ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com; sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com; support(a)ke.wananchi.com; zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com; felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions; ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com; poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com; shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com; supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke; samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com; jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com Subject: RE: [KICTAnet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) Good afternoon Edith , My sincere apologies if there have been any specific consumer complaints that have not been addressed having been raised in the KICTAnet mailing list. More specifically I will coming back to you with a comprehensive response on your enquiry by close of business today. Apology for a late response. Regards, Patricia Muchiri -Assistant Director Consumer Affairs Division Communications Commission of Kenya Tel: +254 20 4242412/413 Mobile: +254 722 836 959 Fax: +254 20 4242411 P.O Box 14448, Nairobi 00800 Nairobi KENYA Email: muchiri(a)cck.go.ke <mailto:muchiri@cck.go.ke> Website:http://www.cck.go.ke Disclaimer: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use by the individual(s) or entity to whom it is addressed to. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Additionally, if you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately by a reply e-mail. From: kictanet-bounces+muchiri=cck.go.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+muchiri=cck.go.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Edith Adera Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 6:18 PM To: Muchiri, Patricia Cc: sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com; ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com; sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com; support(a)ke.wananchi.com; zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com; felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions; ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com; poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com; shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com; supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke; samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com; jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com Subject: Re: [kictanet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) It's strange that CCK never responds to issues on KICTANET list except the other day I saw an email from Christopher. Does CCK have a consumer affairs department. Can complaint procedures be published? and QoS performance of all companies be made public? I was just about to sign up to Zuku after the feedback we got from listers on broadband! A consumer study we've just published points to serious complaints in the Internet market which are not being addressed. Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke | www.idrc.ca <http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca <http://www.crdi.ca/> Error! Filename not specified. ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Brian Ngure [brian(a)pixie.co.ke] Sent: 15 March 2011 01:43 To: Edith Adera Cc: sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com; ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com; support(a)ke.wananchi.com; zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com; felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com; poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com; ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com; sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com; shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com; supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke; samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com; jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) Hi, I would like to bring to attention the extremely poor service provided by Zuku. The quality of service has steadily declined. Emails to customer support are now totally ignored. When I subscribed to the "Turbo 8" bundle from Zuku, I was informed that the speed would be maintained at a minimum of 70% to 80% (approximately 5Mbps - 6Mbps). However, the down speed on my 8Mbps Turbo 8 fibre link is now 0.33Mbps. (This represents 3.75% of the speed that I am signed up for and is advertised by Zuku.) Is there a body that performs routine checks on quality of service? e.g. CCK? And if so, is there a specified procedure that one should follow? Also, if a complaint is filed, is it acted upon? Has anyone on this list filed a complaint and a solution has been found? I am at my wits end. I don't know what else to do. Below is a summary of some of the communication I have had with Zuku support since mid January. ---------------------- My Turbo 8 connection is has been experiencing slow speeds since Monday 24th January. I also lost the TV signal from 23rd January until 7th February. In one of the screenshots, you can see that packet loss on the first two hops is greater than 70%. A work order number was raised: 298106. In calls to support, I have been told: 1. That the problem is a node near my house in Lavington. 2. That the modem firmware is faulty. 3. That the modem is fine! 4. That the 8Mbps package is a shared bandwith, BUT SPEEDS OF 0.3Mbps to a maximum of 1.2Mbps on an 8 Mbps link? 5. That support teams would come on specifed days at specified times (They never bothered to show up or call!) 6. That there is an issue with the main line and the issue has been escalated to our maintenance team who are working to resolve the matter. 7. That the support technician who finally came to my house lied and said everything is ok even though my TV signal (which finally came back on its own) still was jerky and the internet speed was 1.2 Mbps Down and 0.8 Mbps Up. My maximum download was 80 - 100kbps download and an average of 40-60kbps. This is supposed to be an 8Mbps link. 8. That the wifi modem would have to be changed to one that does not have wireless and that this will resolve the current issue. 9. To purchase a router as the one that will be installed does not support wireless. (NOTE: The 8 Mbps package clearly states that wireless is part of the package so why should I have to buy one?) 10. That I will indeed be given a new Cable modem + wifi since I am still on Turbo 8. (February 16th) 11. That another technician will come over to check the internet and TV signal issue. 12. That the HD receiver and phone will be issued soon as they are in stock. (They have not been provided to date.) 13. That it was a mis-communication on the previous mail and that you need to change the modem but to one without the Wifi and that I should tell you if I have purchased the router for the wifi! (Again, the Turbo 8 package is advertised as coming with wifi) (February 17th) 14. That you are working on a resolution for this matter and shall get back to me shortly. (February 18th) I have noticed that packet loss on the link is very high (sometimes between 60% to 80%). I have sent emails with this information which has been totally ignored. I have also been told: 1. That the receiver supplied is an SD Receiver which will be upgraded to the HD Receiver. 2. No phone set was supplied but will be brought as they out of stock (apparently since November last year). 3. That they have just received the HD decoders and telephone which will be installed soon (I was told this on the 27th of January) once they have been integrated into our system. It's March 15th and guess what, I'm still waiting for a solution to these problems. We (Kenya) plan to be the ICT hub for East and Southern Africa, with all the plans in place for the ICT city (Malili). If this is a sample of things to come in regards to customer service and quality of service.... well I suppose you can guess what our potential audience will think of us (Kenya). Brian Ngure

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IDEOS offer -- NO STOCK AVAILABLE ?
by Mandhi Sehmi 21 Mar '11

21 Mar '11

Dear Listers, Went to redeem the ADVERTISED Ideos Phone from 2 Retail Shops in the morning after calling customer service to check which store had stocks & then I sent an SMS to redeem the same. I & M branch was still closed at 11AM in spite of calling and finding out that they open from 10-4 on Sundays. Anyhow, bounced again from Westgate since they only had SALABLE for CASH stock & no promotion item stocks!?(Though we are led to believe they are exactly the same products??) Left my name and contact there & am now just waiting for news? Furthermore have received 27 passwords for redemption of the phone since yesterday, so should I collect 27 phones K Thanks & All the best, Mandheer Singh Sehmi Client Relations & Business Development Computech Limited Kenya|Tanzania|Uganda|Rwanda|Southern Sudan| Description: Description: Description: http://www.mailme.ae/duwifi/dufooter.gif "Recycle - Reuse - Renew - Recover - Reduce - Reclaim - Realize - Responsibility - Respect" From: kictanet-bounces+mandhis=gmail.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mandhis=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Safaricom Support Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 15:54 To: mandhis(a)gmail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] problem inherent in how mobile money transactions aredone Hi Kindly advise them to forward the texts to '333' which is to our Mpesa Fraud team for further investigation. Regards Muchoki From: kictanet-bounces+support=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+support=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Francis.Hook(a)gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 3:38 PM To: Safaricom Support Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] problem inherent in how mobile money transactions aredone I have a colleague who received a rather suspect SMS that, at first glance seemed to advise of money rcvd from someone and a few minutes later someone called to say he had sent the money and error and has a crisis of sorts and would like the money sent back. I have seen this twice. Tricksters at work. When using mobile money I have always wondered about the privacy of such transactions since one is required to sign a sheet with details of the transactions - details which are clearly visible to everyone. I note both ZAP and Mpesa have such sheets. It would only take a keen eye to quickly pick out a number next to a high value, memorise it - under the pretext of doing a small transaction and then claim a victim within hours of the person depositing money into their account. I suppose unregistered mobile numbers must now be de-activated ASAP. Be on the look out. Note: All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom's Email Terms & Conditions. Please click <http://www.safaricom.co.ke/index.php?id=954> here to read the policy. _____ <http://www.safaricom.co.ke/fileadmin/signaturefiles/MpesaTip1.JPG>

2 1

Orange hoodwinked on Telkom purchase
by robert yawe 21 Mar '11

21 Mar '11

Hi, I have just received an invoice in the post from Telkom/Orange totalling 952,000/- shillings for provision of a 512 kbps Kenstream (wired high-speed) connection that to the best of my knowledge I never applied. This invoices have been sent to us diligently for over 5 years yet the last time we had a data service from Telkom was in 2003 and it was an analogue tie line, which are what ISPs in those days used to provide leased line connections. The charge for the tie line was 1,500/- so how it got to 11,500/- and became a Kenstream service from the Kenline service only Telkom would know. If accounts like this one are what Orange had been presented with when they where valuing Telkom before the purchase then they definitely got a raw deal both from whoever did the due diligence and the seller. Yet what is shocking is that no one on the management of Orange has ever thought of doing a quick analysis of the number of active ports on their Kenstream switch against the accounts being billed. In addition what work do the credit and recovery department do as most of the previously postpaid services are now prepaid? The service is being charged at 11,600/- and has accumulated, auto charging can be a devil, to 952,000/- yet no manager as though it prudent to follow up on the issue. Doing a basic calculation of 952,000/11,600 it would mean that this account is over 6 years over due. Maybe I need to apply for the job of MD at Orange, as I await for an opening at Postal, because within 3 months I will have surpassed the current data connections by over 100% as from this invoicing fiasco it is clear that management are looking for funds to buy new switching equipment yet 60% or more of the current equipment is unutilised yet the records indicate otherwise. The same also applies for their internet bandwidth traffic which would explain why they give you twice the bandwidth and you end up with slower speeds. If anyone on this list has a contact at Orange please forward this post to them as we all know that they have a n even higher ivory tower than Safaricom's. The relevance of this posting is to help us understand why Orange does not seem to be making progress and most of this is because of technical people like ourselves who are not delivering, if I was to be appointed MD of telkom aka Orange today the first group to go home would be finance and IT. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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New gTLDs time line and .XXX approval
by Dandjinou Pierre 19 Mar '11

19 Mar '11

ICANN 40 ended this morning; here are the main resolutions. Pierre D. ICANN 40: Board Sets New gTLDs Timeline; Approves .XXX Domain [image: Board Sets New gTLDs Timeline; Approves .XXX Domain]<http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-18mar11-en.htm> ICANN's Silicon Valley meeting, held at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, concluded 18 March with the public meeting of its Board of Directors. The ICANN community handled a wide array of Internet policy issues, including: • ICANN's next public meeting will be held in Singapore, June 2011. • The Board intends to complete the process for final approval of the New gTLD implementation program at an extraordinary meeting of the ICANN Board to be held on Monday, 20 June 2011, at the ICANN public meeting in Singapore. • The Board endorsed all 27 of the recommendations made by the Accountability and Transparency Review Team, and requested ICANN Staff to prepare implementation plans. • The period for accepting public comments about the process for creating new GNSO constituencies was extended. • The Board supported entering into a Registry Agreement with ICM, approving .XXX as a new top-level domain. For details (and decisions on many other topics), refer to the board resolutions <http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-18mar11-en.htm>.at http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-18mar11-en.htm ------------------------------ -- Pierre Dandjinou Cotonou - 229 90 087784 / 66566610 Dakar 221 77 639 30 41 www.scg.bj skype : sagbo1953

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An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!)
by Brian Ngure 19 Mar '11

19 Mar '11

14 28

Service Provider Slugfest - WAS Re: An Open Letter to Zuku
by Francis Hook 18 Mar '11

18 Mar '11

On 18 March 2011 17:22, Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> wrote: > If I may join the band wagon. I also have to say that Zuku customer service > is very poor and I also have noticed that my TV channels are so limited > where as I am supposed to have 50 channels!!!!!! It is pathetic and I am > hoping we can talk to the MD as this is way serious in terms of customer > service. The people of ZUKU need to answer to all our complaints and it > seems that the only way is direct to the MD. So can we get the phone number > so we can call + email address and we can also write. This is urgent and we > need to sort these complaints out. > > Thanks everyone for bring this up. I too thought I was the only one. > > Blessed weekend. > > Lizette > AGDEN > > On Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 4:32 PM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> Fibre on Fire ! >> >> On Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 4:10 PM, Musya Michael <michael.musya(a)gmail.com >> > wrote: >> >>> Reading this leaves me wondering whether we have any reliable ISP in >>> the currently in the country.My worst experience was with KDN...The so >>> called BOX service. Six months now and no refund. Now will do an email to >>> CCK,thanks to this list. >>> >>> -- >>> Regards, >>> >>> Michael Musya, >>> >>> Afriregister Limited. >>> >>> I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. >>> Philippians 4:13 >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… >>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> Barrack O. Otieno >> Afriregister Ltd (Kenya) >> www.afrire <http://www.afriregister.com/>gister.bi, www.afriregister.com<http://www.afriergister.com/> >> <http://www.afriregister.com/>ICANN accredited registrar >> +254721325277 >> +254-20-2498789 >> Skype: barrack.otieno >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail.com >> >> > > > -- > Lizette Kraft > P.O. Box 18488, 00500 > Nairobi, Kenya > Cell: 0722-800362 > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: francis.hook(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/francis.hook%40gmail.c… > > -- Francis Hook +254 733 504561

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Re: [kictanet] An Open Letter to Zuku
by Shah, SurajX 18 Mar '11

18 Mar '11

I was wondering whether this would be the right forum to complain about the pathetic standards of ZUKU and their even worse Customer Service, until I saw this thread. I subscribed to their internet services on 27th Jan 2011, and paid upfront for all the equipment and monthly charges. The team came to install and realized that the base station nearest to me on Lower Kabete Road was full so they told me it was not possible to offer me internet services. Any chance of a refund? Several phone calls, a visit to their most unprofessional Customer Service office at Apic Centre and emails later still no refund. Is it even legal for ZUKU to hold on to my money for nearly 7 weeks for a service they did not even carry out? On their TV cable service, since last year they have been dropping channels like CNN, Travel & Living etc on a daily basis WITHOUT ANY REPLACEMENT. Complaints to them results in the same monotonous answer: we will be bringing you new channels? When? It has been months! I paid for a year's subscription upfront in September 2010 based on what then seemed like a good variety of channels. Now 6 months later, if I had the chance I would ask for my money back! Again is it legal for ZUKU to go back on what they promised to air and charge customers money based on lies? Suraj Shah Corporate Affairs Manager Intel Corporation -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+surajx.shah=intel.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+surajx.shah=intel.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 9:21 AM To: Shah, SurajX Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 46, Issue 68 Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke You can reach the person managing the list at kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) (Edith Adera) 2. Re: Digital villages (robert yawe) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:18:12 +0300 From: Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> To: "brian(a)pixie.co.ke" <brian(a)pixie.co.ke> Cc: "sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com" <sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com>, "ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com" <ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com>, "sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com" <sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com>, "support(a)ke.wananchi.com" <support(a)ke.wananchi.com>, "zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com" <zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com>, "felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com" <felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com>, KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, "ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com" <ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com>, "poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com" <poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com>, "shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com" <shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com>, "supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke" <supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke>, "samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com" <samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com>, "jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com" <jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) Message-ID: <46563326FAEDB04F92FED3DB099C98BB35EEBA682E(a)esaroms07.ESARO.IDRC.ORG> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" It's strange that CCK never responds to issues on KICTANET list except the other day I saw an email from Christopher. Does CCK have a consumer affairs department. Can complaint procedures be published? and QoS performance of all companies be made public? I was just about to sign up to Zuku after the feedback we got from listers on broadband! A consumer study we've just published points to serious complaints in the Internet market which are not being addressed. Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le d?veloppement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/T?l?c: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Brian Ngure [brian(a)pixie.co.ke] Sent: 15 March 2011 01:43 To: Edith Adera Cc: sabiya.bagha(a)ke.wananchi.com; ida.aginga(a)ke.wananchi.com; support(a)ke.wananchi.com; zukucanhelp(a)gmail.com; felix.sechero(a)ke.wananchi.com; poonam.pitrola(a)ke.wananchi.com; ruth.muturi(a)ke.wananchi.com; sharon.kisia(a)ke.wananchi.com; shelmith.njoki(a)ke.wananchi.com; supportbb(a)zuku.co.ke; samson.bonyi(a)ke.wananchi.com; jimmy.mbotela(a)ke.wananchi.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] An Open Letter to Zuku (Help me please!!!) Hi, I would like to bring to attention the extremely poor service provided by Zuku. The quality of service has steadily declined. Emails to customer support are now totally ignored. When I subscribed to the "Turbo 8" bundle from Zuku, I was informed that the speed would be maintained at a minimum of 70% to 80% (approximately 5Mbps - 6Mbps). However, the down speed on my 8Mbps Turbo 8 fibre link is now 0.33Mbps. (This represents 3.75% of the speed that I am signed up for and is advertised by Zuku.) Is there a body that performs routine checks on quality of service? e.g. CCK? And if so, is there a specified procedure that one should follow? Also, if a complaint is filed, is it acted upon? Has anyone on this list filed a complaint and a solution has been found? I am at my wits end. I don't know what else to do. Below is a summary of some of the communication I have had with Zuku support since mid January. ---------------------- My Turbo 8 connection is has been experiencing slow speeds since Monday 24th January. I also lost the TV signal from 23rd January until 7th February. In one of the screenshots, you can see that packet loss on the first two hops is greater than 70%. A work order number was raised: 298106. In calls to support, I have been told: 1. That the problem is a node near my house in Lavington. 2. That the modem firmware is faulty. 3. That the modem is fine! 4. That the 8Mbps package is a shared bandwith, BUT SPEEDS OF 0.3Mbps to a maximum of 1.2Mbps on an 8 Mbps link? 5. That support teams would come on specifed days at specified times (They never bothered to show up or call!) 6. That there is an issue with the main line and the issue has been escalated to our maintenance team who are working to resolve the matter. 7. That the support technician who finally came to my house lied and said everything is ok even though my TV signal (which finally came back on its own) still was jerky and the internet speed was 1.2 Mbps Down and 0.8 Mbps Up. My maximum download was 80 - 100kbps download and an average of 40-60kbps. This is supposed to be an 8Mbps link. 8. That the wifi modem would have to be changed to one that does not have wireless and that this will resolve the current issue. 9. To purchase a router as the one that will be installed does not support wireless. (NOTE: The 8 Mbps package clearly states that wireless is part of the package so why should I have to buy one?) 10. That I will indeed be given a new Cable modem + wifi since I am still on Turbo 8. (February 16th) 11. That another technician will come over to check the internet and TV signal issue. 12. That the HD receiver and phone will be issued soon as they are in stock. (They have not been provided to date.) 13. That it was a mis-communication on the previous mail and that you need to change the modem but to one without the Wifi and that I should tell you if I have purchased the router for the wifi! (Again, the Turbo 8 package is advertised as coming with wifi) (February 17th) 14. That you are working on a resolution for this matter and shall get back to me shortly. (February 18th) I have noticed that packet loss on the link is very high (sometimes between 60% to 80%). I have sent emails with this information which has been totally ignored. I have also been told: 1. That the receiver supplied is an SD Receiver which will be upgraded to the HD Receiver. 2. No phone set was supplied but will be brought as they out of stock (apparently since November last year). 3. That they have just received the HD decoders and telephone which will be installed soon (I was told this on the 27th of January) once they have been integrated into our system. It's March 15th and guess what, I'm still waiting for a solution to these problems. We (Kenya) plan to be the ICT hub for East and Southern Africa, with all the plans in place for the ICT city (Malili). If this is a sample of things to come in regards to customer service and quality of service.... well I suppose you can guess what our potential audience will think of us (Kenya). Brian Ngure

7 8

The Case for Information Security Management Systems ISO IEC 27001
by Barrack Otieno 18 Mar '11

18 Mar '11

Listers, I have been doing some research in the above mentioned area especially in ISO IEC 27001 and i am wondering whether there are any organisations locally implementing IS standards and whether it is worth the investment, do we need this standards as a country and as an industry? -- Barrack O. Otieno Afriregister Ltd (Kenya) www.afrire <http://www.afriregister.com>gister.bi, www.afriregister.com<http://www.afriergister.com> <http://www.afriregister.com>ICANN accredited registrar +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno

1 0

Fw: CCK statement on status of Mobile Number Portability
by Walubengo J 17 Mar '11

17 Mar '11

--- On Thu, 3/17/11, Wambua, Christopher <Wambua(a)cck.go.ke> wrote: Subject: CCK statement on status of Mobile Number Portability To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Date: Thursday, March 17, 2011, 1:18 PM Please share this with listers on KICTANET PRESS RELEASE 17th March 2011 NEWS EDITOR RE: STATUS OF MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY The attention of the Commission has been drawn by some media reports that appear to suggest that some mobile operators are not ready to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) by the set date of 1st April 2011. In view of the foregoing, the Commission wishes to state as follows: · The process of implementing MNP services in the country has been quite consultative and inclusive. Since inception of the project, the Commission has engaged mobile industry players in extensive consultations and discussions, which culminated in the signing of an agreement on 17th December 2010 in which all operators agreed to implement MNP by 1st April 2011. Subsequently, the Commission has been working closely with the mobile operators and the licensed porting service provider (i.e. M/s Porting Access Kenya) to ensure that the implementation process is on course. According to the latest signed reports of the technical meetings, all operators are ready to commence testing their MNP systems this week. · The mobile operators and M/s Porting Access Kenya have displayed utmost commitment and co-operation in implementing the service. Although the mobile operators may not be exactly at the same level of preparedness, the Commission is yet to receive any formal notification suggesting inability to implement MNP by the agreed date of 1st April 2011 from any of the licensed mobile service providers. · The Commission shall continue monitoring progress in respect to implementation of MNP and inform the public accordingly. Issued by: Charles J.K. Njoroge DIRECTOR-GENERAL

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Re: [kictanet] Digital villages
by robert yawe 17 Mar '11

17 Mar '11

Dr. Ndemo, Some of us on this list have experience in setting up and operating cyber cafes of which I am sure the Digital Villages are similar, any chance you could share with us some of the business proposals for our input. I would be more than willing to offer my experience to improve the business plan and execution and I am sure there are others here who would also be willing, CSR needs to go below the large corporates to all who can give back. This will be my contribution by going beyond rhetoric to offering solutions and adding actual value. We can treat them like MBA case study scenarios. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tue, 15 March, 2011 19:19:41 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Digital villages Robert I have been informed that the applicants for DV loan facilities have given fairly good business plans and many of them are experienced cyber owners including some who are already supporting operators in money transfer and other businesses. We have informed family bank to pay special attention to experienced applicants while still maintaining world bank requirement. Ndemo. Sent from my BlackBerry® ________________________________ From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:05:23 +0000 (GMT) To: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Digital villages Hi, It is unfortunate that this is too late but if the government was able to cancel the agreement with the WB for the Mombasa Road "over pass" project why can't we stop this one so as to make sure that the country gets the maximum return? Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Mon, 14 March, 2011 20:36:18 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Digital villages Robert, Your proposal makes a lot more sense but it comes too late after we developed the structure with the WB. We sell this variant idea to the operators and also attempt to vary phase 2 of WB. Ndemo. Sent from my BlackBerry® ________________________________ From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:42:26 +0000 (GMT) To: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Digital villages PS Ndemo, I just have one issue with how the whole DV and its aliases are being implemented and that is dealing with inexperienced people to set them up. My suggestion would be that to roll out faster and increase the likelihood of success we need to look at first empowering existing cyber and other business center operators as they already have the entrepreneurial spirit, are already meeting their basic needs and understand business. To bring in the youth we can implement an interesting approach that is being done in South Africa where those interested in getting funds to venture into a specific industry receive apprentice type training by being attached to an operating business. Part of the loan/grant is used to pay their salaries while they are attached (KEPSA & GOK have a similar project) the rest will then be given to them to actually start the business. Companies have realised that this is not creating competition but actually developing a franchise operator or a distributor. In the same way the existing cyber cafe operators after being empowered would then be required to take on the Youth who will receive practical experience before being let out to setup on their own. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tue, 8 March, 2011 8:20:31 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Digital villages Cynicism and negativity will take us nowhere. Simply ask where these DVs are and you will be shown. Ndemo. > I am just wondering, is the digital villages, BPO and other grand > initiatives that have since stalled as a result of GOK is diverting funds > to > political initiatives instead? E.g. shuttle diplomacies! > > > > Best Regards, > > > > Edwin > > From: kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On > Behalf Of warigia bowman > Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 3:47 PM > To: Edwin > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Digital villages > > > > Hi all, > > I did try to visit a digital visit in Sagana with little success. If the > PS > can kindly give me a clear list of digital villages, including location, a > contact person, and a cell phone, I would really like to visit as many as > possible and report back to you. If any Kenyan academic would like to > coauthor a paper on the same, I would enjoy that. Please contact me. . > > Sincerely, Warigia > > On Mon, Mar 7, 2011 at 12:30 PM, George Nyabuga <gnyabuga(a)uonbi.ac.ke> > wrote: > > In January 2007, the Nation published the story (below) indicating that > the government was in the process of setting up digital villages across > the country. What happened to these digital villages and plans? Dr Bitange > Ndemo, Paul Kokubo and others were reported to have been driving this > process. But as far as I know there are hardly any 'digital villages' in > the 210 constituencies. Empty promises? > > George > > > Story by JUSTUS ONDARI > Publication Date: 8/01/2007 > > Several communication firms will jointly set up hubs in villages around > the country, in project meant to close the huge gap in Internet access > between rural and urban areas. > In the first phase of the programme, Telkom Kenya, Kenya Data Network and > Popote Wireless will each establish digital villages in 54 constituencies > under an initiative that aims to cover the remaining 156 constituencies by > December this year. > The Government will subsidise broadband access for the villages under a > Sh670 million World Bank loan, that seeks to stimulate demand for > broadband uptake over a three year period. Entrepreneurs will get credit > through the Youth Fund to buy the locally assembled computers going for an > average of Sh25,000 a piece. The initiative, known as Rural Digital > Village "Marshall Plan", also aims to rope in mobile service providers, > Safaricom and Celtel Kenya. > The two have already agreed, in principal, to take part in the first phase > of the programme, said Mr Peter Kimacia, one of the coordinators of the > initiative. Mr Kimacia is the chief executive of ICTvillage.com, an > industry-driven Web site and business lobby that aims to make Kenya the > information and communication technology (ICT) hub of Africa. > "At the end of Phase Two of the initiative in December 2008, each of the > telecommunications service providers will have at least a digital village > in all the 210 constituencies in the country," he said. > He was speaking at the Nairobi Serena Hotel during the launch of the > initiative. > Launching the concept, Information and Communications permanent secretary, > Bitange Ndemo said each of the constituencies will have a digital centre, > two digital schools, and four digital kiosks within the next 100 days > under what he called a "Rapid Results Response". > A digital centre will have between 10 and 20 computers, while a digital > school will have five to 10 computers, and a digital kiosk one to five > computers. > Also present at the launch were Information and Communication Assistant > minister David Were and permanent secretaries David Nalo (Trade and > Industry), and Kinuthia Murugu (Youth Affairs). > The programme will be overseen by the newly appointed Kenya Information > and Communication Technology Board chaired by Ms Catherine Ngahu, and > managing director, Paul Kokubo of 3Mice Interactive Media Limited. > The villages will offer services like data collection, cyber cafes, > training and merchandising. Other services are business outsourcing, > franchising and bureau services. > > > > -- > Dr George Nyabuga > Associate Director > School of Journalism & Mass Communication > University of Nairobi > Education Building > Harry Thuku Road > PO Box 30197 - 00100 > Nairobi, Kenya > Tel: +254(0)20 318262 Fax: +254(0)20 2229168 > Mobile: +254 (0)72151 6573 > Email: gnyabuga(a)uonbi.ac.ke, gnyabuga(a)yahoo.co.uk > www.uonbi.ac.ke > > > > ----------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by > MailScanner, > and is believed to be clean. > > +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED > > The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to > all > its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality > performance > from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality > Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard. > > University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ > +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > > >_______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: warigia(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/warigia%40gmail.com > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > >_______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world" _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… -------------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. -------------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world" -------------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. -------------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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problem inherent in how mobile money transactions are done
by Francis.Hook＠gmail.com 16 Mar '11

16 Mar '11

I have a colleague who received a rather suspect SMS that, at first glance seemed to advise of money rcvd from someone and a few minutes later someone called to say he had sent the money and error and has a crisis of sorts and would like the money sent back. I have seen this twice. Tricksters at work. When using mobile money I have always wondered about the privacy of such transactions since one is required to sign a sheet with details of the transactions - details which are clearly visible to everyone. I note both ZAP and Mpesa have such sheets. It would only take a keen eye to quickly pick out a number next to a high value, memorise it - under the pretext of doing a small transaction and then claim a victim within hours of the person depositing money into their account. I suppose unregistered mobile numbers must now be de-activated ASAP. Be on the look out.

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Draft report on ICCK BILL 2010
by k.k. ombati 16 Mar '11

16 Mar '11

Dear Listers, Please find the draft report on the ICCK Bill 2010 attached. kindly let me have your comments and suggestions.it is up for discussion from today (16th march 2011) up to Tuesday 22nd March 2011. Regards, Kerubo

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Invitation to the Africa Internet Entrepreneurs' Conference 2011
by Albert Mucunguzi 16 Mar '11

16 Mar '11

Dear All, The Africa Internet and Mobile Entrepreneurs' Conference, organized by PC Tech Magazine, is a one day conference that seeks to showcase the innovative use of new media – internet and mobiles – by entrepreneurs to address the socio-economic and development challenges in Africa. Research studies have discussed the impact of the new media for business and development as including new business models, access to new resources, markets and opportunities for collaboration, and novel approaches to sustaining livelihoods. However, these opportunities depends on the ‘capability to function’ – thus the ability of the African entrepreneur to go beyond access to new media and use associated functions and services which empower them in their individual ventures and contribute to sustaining their livelihoods. This capability to function starts from educating and training in the use of new media, and hence, the objective of this conference. Driven by the new media – Internet and mobile applications - the information economy has birthed a space for participation, access, expression and creativity. Concerning development in Africa, we ask, what is the impact of the new media on the African Entrepreneur? Entrepreneurs play a critical role in the starting and establishing small business opportunities in Africa. However, a number of newly-established ventures in developing economies fade out in the early stage of business, within 42 months. There are multi-prong challenges including access to information and new skills which contribute to this failure. These challenges stifle the contribution of African entrepreneurs to the society. This year's conference will bring together a blend of academics, practitioners and policy makers in the area of ICT for sustainable development and innovative mobile solutions for Africa. AFRIEC 2011 will encourage open minds, critical thinking, self-examination, creativity, and sharing ideas. We invite you to join us and look forward to welcoming you to the Africa Internet and Mobile Entrepreneurs' Conference 2011. Tickets are avaibable at UGX. 100,000/= for professionals and UGX. 50,000/= for students. The conference will take place at Hotel Africana, Friday 18th March, 2011 (full day). You can book your place by emailing afriec(a)pctechmagazine.com. The conference is sponsored by Orange Uganda, and SMS Media among others (you are also invited to sponsor). Regards, Albert MucunguziPC Tech Magazine,P. O. Box 32180,Kampala,UgandaEmail: ed(a)pctechmagazine.comWebsite: http://www.albertmucunguzi.com http://www.pctechmagazine.com Visit the I-Network website - www.i-network.or.ug Follow I-Network on Twitter: http://twitter.com/inetwork The I-Network Dgroup is a platform for ICT Knowledge Sharing Visit web site Click here to unsubscribe The email is intended only for the recipients. The owners of the Dgroups cannot be held responsible for the contents of the email message.

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ICTs help in Linking Farmers to Markets
by Edith Adera 16 Mar '11

16 Mar '11

Listers, Just a quick note to share some research findings of work supported by IDRC in 6 African countries (Kenya, Benin, Ghana, Madagascar and Malawi) Some highlights of findings from the project (eAgriculture Research Network):- * Participation in ICT-based market information service projects strengthens farmer linkage to markets:- increases the share of agricultural production (crop and livestock) that is sold by about 14% implying that farmers that participate in such projects have greater participation in the market. It also increases the per-capita household use of productivity enhancing purchased inputs (seeds, fertilizer & pesticides) by 10-12%. * There is evidence that participation in ICT-based projects improves household food security: Increases per-capita agricultural income and reduces the extent of food insecurity (duration of food deficit) in a participating household. * Markets covered by ICT-based projects perform better:- they are characterized by lower price dispersion and lower transaction costs and are more integrated with other markets. * That the effect of the use of ICT-based tools (especially mobiles) by rural traders on transaction cost is nuanced. It reduces some of the components of transaction costs but not others (e.g. screening & renogotiation costs) suggesting that the nature of the market influence how use of such tools affect transaction costs. * Awareness of ICT-based market information service (MIS) projects are driven by farmer-specific factors - age (-ve), education/literacy, farming experience, membership in farmer organizations; infrastructural factors - access to electricity (-ve); asset endowment - land size, value of household non-land physical assets, value of livestock assets, household income; country-specific factors e.g. price controls and ban on maize export in Malawi distorted the market. * The environment (physical, socio-cultural, economic and legal) in which ICT-based projects are deployed and their design affect their outcomes i.e. performance and sustainability. Flexible and responsive designs improve the odds of success and sustainability of such projects. Overdependence on donor support and failure to plan for exit reduce the odd of success. Finally, in Kenya it was found that over 60% of mobile money transfer is used in the agriculture sector! Telecom operators in Sri Lanka have incorporated provision of "real-time" (within the hour) agricultural market information in their service offerings and have hired market scouts to collect information hourly (they charge consumers equivallent of ksh 30 per month for this information (good source of revenue) - we need these types of innovations in Kenya rather than price controls. Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> [https://email.idrc.or.ke/owa/attachment.ashx?id=RgAAAAANayfd3%2b2VQYZo%2flc…]

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Digital villages
by George Nyabuga 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

In January 2007, the Nation published the story (below) indicating that the government was in the process of setting up digital villages across the country. What happened to these digital villages and plans? Dr Bitange Ndemo, Paul Kokubo and others were reported to have been driving this process. But as far as I know there are hardly any 'digital villages' in the 210 constituencies. Empty promises? George Story by JUSTUS ONDARI Publication Date: 8/01/2007 Several communication firms will jointly set up hubs in villages around the country, in project meant to close the huge gap in Internet access between rural and urban areas. In the first phase of the programme, Telkom Kenya, Kenya Data Network and Popote Wireless will each establish digital villages in 54 constituencies under an initiative that aims to cover the remaining 156 constituencies by December this year. The Government will subsidise broadband access for the villages under a Sh670 million World Bank loan, that seeks to stimulate demand for broadband uptake over a three year period. Entrepreneurs will get credit through the Youth Fund to buy the locally assembled computers going for an average of Sh25,000 a piece. The initiative, known as Rural Digital Village Marshall Plan, also aims to rope in mobile service providers, Safaricom and Celtel Kenya. The two have already agreed, in principal, to take part in the first phase of the programme, said Mr Peter Kimacia, one of the coordinators of the initiative. Mr Kimacia is the chief executive of ICTvillage.com, an industry-driven Web site and business lobby that aims to make Kenya the information and communication technology (ICT) hub of Africa. At the end of Phase Two of the initiative in December 2008, each of the telecommunications service providers will have at least a digital village in all the 210 constituencies in the country, he said. He was speaking at the Nairobi Serena Hotel during the launch of the initiative. Launching the concept, Information and Communications permanent secretary, Bitange Ndemo said each of the constituencies will have a digital centre, two digital schools, and four digital kiosks within the next 100 days under what he called a Rapid Results Response. A digital centre will have between 10 and 20 computers, while a digital school will have five to 10 computers, and a digital kiosk one to five computers. Also present at the launch were Information and Communication Assistant minister David Were and permanent secretaries David Nalo (Trade and Industry), and Kinuthia Murugu (Youth Affairs). The programme will be overseen by the newly appointed Kenya Information and Communication Technology Board chaired by Ms Catherine Ngahu, and managing director, Paul Kokubo of 3Mice Interactive Media Limited. The villages will offer services like data collection, cyber cafes, training and merchandising. Other services are business outsourcing, franchising and bureau services. -- Dr George Nyabuga Associate Director School of Journalism & Mass Communication University of Nairobi Education Building Harry Thuku Road PO Box 30197 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254(0)20 318262 Fax: +254(0)20 2229168 Mobile: +254 (0)72151 6573 Email: gnyabuga(a)uonbi.ac.ke, gnyabuga(a)yahoo.co.uk www.uonbi.ac.ke ----------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality performance from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard. University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Number portability
by Andrea Bohnstedt 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

Hey all, I had tried to find out about this a while ago: Once number portability is introduced, how do subscribers know that they are making off-net calls? Have the mobile operators made any provisions? Does CCK require operators to provide some sort of signal? Or would Dr Ndemo be able to answer? Thanks, Andrea -- Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> Publisher +254 720 960 322 www.ratio-magazine.com Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php>

4 4

Registration
by n_macharia＠yahoo.co.uk 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

Register and add geffiam(a)gmail.com for circulation. He presents a resourceful group of Software developers. Regards Sent from my BlackBerry®

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ORGANIZED GROUPS COUNTY CONSULTATIONS IN NAIROBI KICC ON 21 MARCH 2011
by Eric Aligula 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

Colleagues Good morning! The Task Force on Devolved Government will be holding Consultation meetings with stakeholders on the 21st of March 2011 at the KICC. Could KICTANET be available on that date to be consulted and make their views known? Kind regards Eric Aligula Magolo, PhD Programmes Coordinator & Ag. Head, Infrastructure and Economic Services Division 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 <mailto:jairah@kippra.or.ke> URL: www.kippra.org <http://www.kippra.org/> Proudly Kenyan "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility..........I welcome it." John F. Kennedy "To allow other people's assessment of you to determine your own self-assessment is a very big mistake" Columbia University President Lee Bollinger "Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi"

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Fwd: [Ngl-candidates] Applications now open - Next Generation Leaders eLearning programme “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures” (English and French)
by Grace Mutung'u (Bomu) 14 Mar '11

14 Mar '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Gerard Ross <ross(a)isoc.org> Date: 2011/3/14 Subject: [Ngl-candidates] Applications now open - Next Generation Leaders eLearning programme “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures” (English and French) To: ngl-candidates(a)elists.isoc.org --------------------------------------------------------- Applications now open - Next Generation Leaders eLearning programme “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures” (English and French) --------------------------------------------------------- Applications are now open for the Internet Society’s Next Generation Leaders (NGL) eLearning programme “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures”. < http://www.diplomacy.edu/registration/Register.aspx?IDprogramme=5601a517-75… > The Internet Society is pleased to call for applications from talented individuals seeking to join the new generation of Internet leaders, who will address the critical technology, policy, business, and education challenges that lie ahead. Following the successful launch of the programme last year, in 2011 the Internet Society is offering concurrent classes in English and French. Both classes will start in the week of 16 May 2011. The course, “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures”, is delivered by the DiploFoundation through their eLearning platform and learning methodology and features weekly online discussions of the course materials, moderated by a tutor and an expert facilitator. The NGL programme is designed to advance the careers of individuals who have the potential to become local, regional, and international leaders within the Internet technology, policy, and governance communities. The curriculum empowers participants to share their particular expertise with colleagues while acquiring knowledge in areas outside of their specialties. Places in the eLearning course are strictly limited, so all applications will be subject to a thorough selection process. * The deadline for applications is 8 April 2011. * The Programme --------------- The programme offers 20-25 places in each class for professionals from diverse stakeholder backgrounds in the fields of Internet technology, governance, and policy. Both courses are open to individuals from around the world. The programme will be conducted entirely online. The programme includes four thematic parts, which take place over six months during 2011 (May to October, with an exam in the first week of November): - The History of the Internet - Technical Background - Internet Standards and Technology - Internet Governance and Policy - Emerging issues – Studies in Internet Policies, Processes and Diplomacy Learning activities take place in an online classroom and include analysis of course materials, interactive group discussions using a variety of communication tools, assignments, and exams. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion of the programme. Languages ----------- Course materials and moderated online discussions for each course are in English and French, respectively. Target Audience ---------------- The project is designed for Internet Society members from academia, the public sector, technology industries, and civil society who are committed to the ongoing expansion of an open, sustainable Internet. Applications from the following categories of individuals from both developed and developing countries are encouraged: - officials in governmental ministries and departments dealing with ICT-related issues (for example, telecommunications, culture, education, foreign affairs, justice) - officials in regulatory authorities or institutions dealing with Information Society, Internet, and ICT-related issues - postgraduate students and researchers (for example, telecommunications, electrical engineering, law, economics, development studies, sociology) - engineers in the Internet field - civil society activists in the Internet field - journalists covering Internet-related issues - business people in the Internet field (for example, those managing ISPs or involved in software development). Timeline --------- - 14 March: 2011 Call for Applications begins - 8 April: 2011 Call for Applications ends - 28 April: Selection Results released - 16 May: Online classes commence Requirements ------------- Applicants are required to have: - met the age requirement (20-40 years old) - a basic awareness of, and interest in, Internet-related issues - knowledge and experience of the multi-stakeholder approach in international affairs - a professional background and relevant work or academic experience in the Internet field - member status in ISOC - fluency in English or French - good writing skills, ability to summarize information, and focus on details - regular access to the Internet (dial-up connection is sufficient) - minimum of 8 hours commitment per week during each thematic part of the online course (this is perhaps the single most important requirement and should be evaluated seriously by any potential applicant) - readiness to participate in online consultations (once a week at specified times) Deadline for Applications -------------------------- The deadline for applications is 8 April 2011, by midnight UTC/GMT. How to Apply -------------- For more information about the full Next Generation Leaders programme, including details on how to apply to either eLearning course, please visit: http://www.internetsociety.org/leaders If you have any questions, please contact <leaders(a)internetsociety.org>. The Next Generation Leaders programme is supported by Nominet Trust and operates under the patronage of the European Commission for Information Society and Media. Delivery of the eLearning programme in French is sponsored by AFNIC. -- _______________________________________________ Ngl-candidates mailing list Ngl-candidates(a)elists.isoc.org https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/listinfo/ngl-candidates -- Grace L.N. Mutung'u (Bomu) Kenya Skype: gracebomu Twitter: GraceMutung'u (Bomu)

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GoK Outsources OP Twitter a/c & Website
by Muchiri Nyaggah 14 Mar '11

14 Mar '11

Hi Listers, The website www.republicofkenya.org appears to be backed by the GoK but managed by a US firm. They also seem to handle the twitter account @insidekenya which indicates its the Twitter account for Office of the President. On both, it is explicitly stated that CLS & Associates distribute the content on behalf of OP for the government. CLS have an impressive client list but with all the advancements I have seen in the web industry in Kenya over the last three years, I am certain a local firm could have handled this. In fact, there should be staffers in the government spokesman's office or the Kenya ICT Board who can work with the international PR firm and the local OP staff to update this website and profile. How did this happen? How has the government mitigated against the risks of foreigners spreading misinformation using official online government channels? Is the entire government spokesman's office going to be outsourced as well? http://www.republicofkenya.org http://www.twitter.com/insidekenya http://www.clsdc.com Kind regards, *Muchiri* Nyaggah Director @muchiri +254 722 506400 Semacraft.com

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Check out Blogpost on future of Internet governance post Egypt
by warigia bowman 13 Mar '11

13 Mar '11

Dear colleagues I took all the questions I asked, and all the answers you gave me and wrote an Op Ed. Unfortunately, I cannot find anyone who will place it. Perhaps it is too technical. :-( I do not think this is the case though. I would be most grateful if you would sign in to my blog, and comment on it, and see if there is something I missed. I cited people carefully, so you have gotten credit. I do not plagiarize. http://democratizingegypt.blogspot.com/2011/02/governing-egyptian-internet.… Sincerely, Warigia

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what really merits discussion on KICTANET
by Francis Hook 13 Mar '11

13 Mar '11

Hi All, With all due respect to various subscribers of data/voice and other services who have genuine grievances against various operators and their services, I feel compelled to ask what the scope of discussions is on KICTANET? And could those discussions be within an actionable framework e.g. what does the comms act say abt poor QoS, what are the metrics for measuring network quality, etc. Otherwise as it stands, its no more different than the "Watchman" column in the Daily Nation. And to a certain extent I suspect its being used as an online focus group - to test waters and gauge opinions. In other instances some subliminal (individual or corporate) marketing creeps in. Can the moderators please stand up and offer clarity on what really merits discussion? -- Francis Hook +254 733 504561

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Access Kenya; an issue of staff moral
by robert yawe 12 Mar '11

12 Mar '11

Hi, It was interesting reading the article about how Access Kenya is venturing on a programme to setup customer experience centres, http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/AccessKenya+steps+up+internet+market+… if it is anything like how they are handling their participation at the ongoing Ideal Interiors Expo http://www.interiors.co.ke at the Village Market then it will just be another death nail in their coffin. I was at the show adjudicating the stands on Thursday morning and the whole day Friday and what I experienced with their participation was wanting. Exhibitors where expected to have completed setting up their stalls by Wednesday but Access staff where nowhere to be seen in addition they where expected to provide Internet services for the exhibitors, even Thursday was a no show. The staff appeared on Friday around 10 am put up a few banners then they all crowded into the stand making it impossible for any visitors to access. When the other judges and myself got to their stand for evaluation at around 2 PM the stand at been abandoned and no one was in site. If this is how they are going to run their retail store then they should not expect to make much of an impact in the industry. This is a clear indication that there is a low moral issue with the staff and management is loosing grip on the operations at the bottom, expect this to reflect in the service delivery of the organisation. It is already haemorrhaging from the onslaught by the mobile providers so a drop in staff moral is the last thing they or the industry needs. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Re: [kictanet] Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS
by Edwin Onchari 11 Mar '11

11 Mar '11

Alright then, thanks Paul. Hope that the views of stakeholders whom the proposition is meant to boost have some input/insight as well. Best Regards, Edwin From: paulkukubo(a)ict.go.ke [mailto:paulkukubo@ict.go.ke] Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 11:54 AM To: Edwin Onchari; Paul Kukubo Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: Re: [kictanet] Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS We shall actually be using Bellagio to recraft the direction. Sent from my BlackBerryR smartphone provided by Airtel Kenya _____ From: "Edwin Onchari" <eonchari(a)lynxbits.com> Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:46:22 +0300 To: 'Paul Kukubo'<pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions'<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: RE: [kictanet] Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS Hello Paul, Thank you for the prompt response, and I look forward to getting clarifications on the study. On the Bellagio event, shall I assume that we now have a revised value proposition for Kenya for the sector, and if so, could you kindly share the same? I believe it is critical for industry players to align their organizations' strategies with the country's value proposition and where necessary offer input on the same. Also, will it be possible to have the deliberations transmitted to social media outlets for the stakeholders that will not be attending the event to follow the proceedings, and input? Best Regards, Edwin From: kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Paul Kukubo Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 6:32 AM To: Edwin Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS Listers Edwin, thank you for your email. Will provide a comprehensive response later. Meanwh fiilend attached an update on the forthcoming Kenya ICT Board Value Proposition Summit to be held in Bellagio Italy next week which I have also written about severally. Paul Kukubo Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 Fax: +254 20 2211962 website: www.ict.go.ke local content project: www.tandaa.co.ke, www.facebook.com/tandaakenya twitter:@tandaaKENYA BPO Project: www. doitinkenya.co.ke Digital Villages Project: www.pasha.co.ke personal contacts _______________ Cell: + 254 717 180001 skype: kukubopaul googletalk: pkukubo personal blog: www.paulkukubo.co.ke personal twitter: @pkukubo ____________________ Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 5:22 PM, Edwin Onchari <eonchari(a)lynxbits.com> wrote: Listers, For the benefit of those that closely follow the outsourcing sector goings on, this progress report was posted on the KICTB website. Access to such information minimizes unnecessary queries by the private sector to the concerned agencies and affords all stakeholders a standard script to read from. As I read this report and while 50% of 70% of the recommendations have been achieved, I feel that the following status points need further clarification: 1. Under the "Launch a go-to market campaign to bring investors" - from the 12 or so targeted international events in 2010, what are the success numbers? How many firms have expressed interest in investing/outsourcing to Kenya? Did they partner/expressed interest to partner with any firm in Kenya? Did they have contacts of these organizations in Kenya? Did Kenyan firms send have their profiles included in any marketing materials by the board at these events? 2. Prioritize large scale operators - Is this strategy working? How many operations that are under this threshold are successfully doing business in Kenya? Is the lack of 250 seat capacity operations as a result of lack of business, limited access to funding or lack of industry knowledge? 3. Government commitment to the industry - are the special economic zones extendable to foreign firms only or has this been applied to local firms that have onshore (Kenyan company outsourcing to a Kenyan firm) work? What is the criteria for special economic zone exemptions? Which agency is responsible for which licenses, exemptions, etc? 4. Improve the international perception of Kenya.as the country awaits for a NASSCOM type body to emerge - Does this report recommend then that the BPO/ITES working group assumes the role of the industry body? Does the board/ working group have guidelines for the industry? 5. Is the BPO syndicate committee in place? Who are the members and what are their roles? Best Regards, Edwin M Onchari 0720755951 eonchari(a)lynxbits.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pkukubo%40ict.go.ke

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Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS
by Edwin Onchari 11 Mar '11

11 Mar '11

Listers, For the benefit of those that closely follow the outsourcing sector goings on, this progress report was posted on the KICTB website. Access to such information minimizes unnecessary queries by the private sector to the concerned agencies and affords all stakeholders a standard script to read from. As I read this report and while 50% of 70% of the recommendations have been achieved, I feel that the following status points need further clarification: 1. Under the "Launch a go-to market campaign to bring investors" - from the 12 or so targeted international events in 2010, what are the success numbers? How many firms have expressed interest in investing/outsourcing to Kenya? Did they partner/expressed interest to partner with any firm in Kenya? Did they have contacts of these organizations in Kenya? Did Kenyan firms send have their profiles included in any marketing materials by the board at these events? 2. Prioritize large scale operators - Is this strategy working? How many operations that are under this threshold are successfully doing business in Kenya? Is the lack of 250 seat capacity operations as a result of lack of business, limited access to funding or lack of industry knowledge? 3. Government commitment to the industry - are the special economic zones extendable to foreign firms only or has this been applied to local firms that have onshore (Kenyan company outsourcing to a Kenyan firm) work? What is the criteria for special economic zone exemptions? Which agency is responsible for which licenses, exemptions, etc? 4. Improve the international perception of Kenya.as the country awaits for a NASSCOM type body to emerge - Does this report recommend then that the BPO/ITES working group assumes the role of the industry body? Does the board/ working group have guidelines for the industry? 5. Is the BPO syndicate committee in place? Who are the members and what are their roles? Best Regards, Edwin M Onchari 0720755951 eonchari(a)lynxbits.com

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Draft Media Bill 2010 Report
by Grace Githaiga 10 Mar '11

10 Mar '11

Dear Listers Greetings. Please find attached a report of our discussion on the draft media bill 2010. KICTANET had requested for an extension from the Ministry to present the reports by 25th March, 2011. In light of this, it will not be possible to hold a physical meeting to validate. We therefore request you to comment/validate the report online. The dates for this exercise are from today evening March 10 to March 15th. We will then have another five days for the ICCK report. KICTANET appreciates your regard to this matter. Rgds Grace ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have the strength to survive, you have the power to succeed. Life is all about choices we make depending upon the situation we are in. Go forth and rule the World!

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Safaricom launch training facility for mobile applications development
by Andrea Bohnstedt 10 Mar '11

10 Mar '11

In co-operation with Strathmore. Looks interesting - and for those who had wondered about the digital villages, this project gets a mention, too: http://www.ratio-magazine.com/201103103862/Corporate-Press-Releases/Kenya-P… Regards, Andrea -- Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> Publisher +254 720 960 322 www.ratio-magazine.com Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php>

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AfTLD takes on .Africa ( EN / FR )
by Joe Kiragu 10 Mar '11

10 Mar '11

English Wednesday, 8 March 2011 Africa Top Level Domains (AfTLD) organisation has today announced its decision to seek a mandate from the African Union (AU) Commission and to apply to ICANN to manage the .africa registry. AfTLD has listened attentively to many calls in Africa asking AfTLD to play a leading role in developing, managing and running the .africa top level domain for the region. AfTLD has responded by first undertaking a detailed assessment of the new gTLD landscape and making a commitment to work with the AU Commission, ICANN and others to secure a mandate to run .africa. For the full story please go to http://www.aftld.org/html/english/news_dotafrica.html Français Mercredi 8 mars 2011 L'organisation de domaines de niveau supérieur de l'Afrique (AfTLD) a aujourd'hui annoncé sa décision pour chercher un mandat de la Commission africaine des syndicats (AU) et pour s'appliquer à ICANN pour contrôler l'enregistrement de .africa. AfTLD a écouté attentivement beaucoup d'appels en Afrique demandant à AfTLD pour jouer un rôle principal en développant, en contrôlant et en courant le domaine de niveau supérieur de .africa pour la région. AfTLD a répondu par la première entreprise une évaluation détaillée du nouveau paysage et de faire fonctionner de gTLD un engagement avec une Commission, de l'ICANN et les autres pour fixer un mandat pour courir .africa. Veuillez aller à http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home& trurl=http://www.aftld.org/&lp=en_fr&btnTrUrl=Translate pour la nouvelle détaillée Regards, Joe Kiragu for AfTLD -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by KeNIC MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. Kenya Network Information Center (KENIC)

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Can Kenyans Watch Internet TV?
by waudo siganga 10 Mar '11

10 Mar '11

I wanted to subscribe to an Internet TV Service at [1]http://livestreamdirect.com/11/ but on the list of countries given at the subscription site Kenya is conspicuously missing, although Uganda and Tanzania are there. Are there any official constraints to Kenyans watching Internet TV? Waudo References 1. http://livestreamdirect.com/11/

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Local content in broadcast material
by Ngũgĩ Kĩmani 09 Mar '11

09 Mar '11

@Wamuyu: I just noted that in your email below, the TV programmes you refer to are all aired on Citizen TV. Makes me remember that there was a [proposed] directive that CCK would require broadcasters to have 40 percent of local content in their broadcast material: http://www.cck.go.ke/regulations/downloads/xBroadcastingx_Regulationsx_2009… . I wonder if this has been effected yet, and if other TV/FM stations are complying. -- Ngũgĩ Kĩmani | Fundi wa Mitambo | 0772 576846 | http://www.mafundi.co.ke/home On 6 March 2011 14:50, Wamuyu Gatheru <wamuyu(a)soko-id.co.ke> wrote: > > If however, he does want to be a local, besides eating in Njuguna's and > visiting Kiamaiko, he can watch our great soaps. Actually, I recommend these > for Kenyans who could be loosing touch with the mass culture. To catch up > with what the kids are up to listen to 97.1 FM (one FM), watch Machachari, > Sakata (great dancing) and Tahidi High. For all age groups watch Papa > Shirandula, Mother in Law, the Wedding Show and the energised evangelical > programmes on Sunday morning. So without getting too dusty in Kiamaiko, Bob > can catch the Kenyan drift. > > regards, > Wamuyu > > > -- > Soko ID Co. Ltd > Tel: +254 (0)721 468699 > http://www.soko-id.co.ke/ > > Soko ID is an innovative company that supports public organisations and > promotes the Kenyan heritage on the internet. >

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African mobile space force to reckon
by Harry Hare 09 Mar '11

09 Mar '11

Dear All, Some very interesting stats here http://bit.ly/hAi2ea according to admob Africa's mobile ad impressions have overtaken Western Europe while Nokia is still the leading mobile handset manufacturer in Kenya despite a slip in market-share. Happy reading. Kindest Regards Harry Hare Director eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing

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2011 IGF dates 27 to 30 September
by Alice Munyua 09 Mar '11

09 Mar '11

Dear all, Dates for the sixth 2011 United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN-IGF) have now been confirmed. The IGF will take place on 27th to 30 September 2011 in Nairobi at the UN Gigiri. We wish to have strong participation of all stakeholders and would particularly like to encourage industry, civil society and policy makers and who would bring to it expertise, partnerships, and best practices. We hope to leverage, build upon, and enrich the 2011 IGF, by extending the benefits of the IGF programming to begin to build a foundation for young people within the context of the East African Internet Governance Forum (EA-IGF) which will prepare them to participate meaningfully and constructively as IGF youth Ambassadors. Best Alice //

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Fwd: [Afpif] Peering Coordinators Day - Call for Presentations
by Michuki Mwangi 09 Mar '11

09 Mar '11

<apologies for cross posting> -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Afpif] Peering Coordinators Day - Call for Presentations Date: Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:30:59 +0300 From: Michuki Mwangi <mwangi(a)isoc.org> Reply-To: mwangi(a)isoc.org Organization: ISOC To: afpif(a)afpif.org <Please distribute widely> Dear Colleagues, This is a Call for Presentations and Tutorials for the APIF Peering Coordinators Day meeting to be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 10th June 2011. The Peering Coordinators day is a one-day event capacity building event and a precursor to the main AfPIF event scheduled for August, 2011 in Accra, Ghana. The objective of the peering coordinators day is to develop the technical & business capacity of African Peering managers involved in establishing and implementing peering relationships and agreements. Further, it will also seek to identify the technical challenges as well as the solutions for regional interconnection, including Internet Exchange Points. The event is open and will be of particular interest to Peering Coordinators, Business development Managers, Internet providers and operators, telecommunications regulators, content providers, Internet Exchange Point (IXP) Operators, infrastructure providers, Data Center Managers, National Research and Education Networks, Carriers and Transit providers. The AfNOG 12 and AfriNIC 14 meetings will precede the event - please see www.afnog.org. This is an open call to present at the event on technical issues related to regional Interconnection, Peering and Traffic Exchange. If you are interested in presenting: Please submit proposals online at: http://www.isoc.org/openconf/afpif/ * Submission Deadline is 10th April 2011 * Notification of Acceptance is 18th April 2011 * AfPIF Peering Coordinators Day 10th June 2011 Guidelines: The following topic and presentation areas are under consideration for the event. - Peering and Transit Essentials - Peering Architecture and Technical Requirements - Peering Commercials and Contract negotiations - Traffic Flow Analysis for Large Networks - Content Deployment and Caching Techniques in Africa - Technical Peering Configurations and Best Practices - African Cross-border Interconnection - Regional Carrier Technical Solutions - Internet Exchange Points & Research and Education Networks Best Practices and Updates - Building Carrier Neutral Data Centers Tutorials are usually 1 to 2 hour sessions, while presentations may last between ten (10) and thirty (30) minutes with room for Q&A. The Internet Society will facilitate the necessary logistics. The Internet Society’s staff and a select panel of community experts will make selection decisions. Selected presenters will be contacted by the Internet Society to coordinate the logistics. *** Presentations that contain any sort of marketing and commercial content are usually not encouraged at such meetings. For any further queries, please contact mwangi(a)isoc.org We look forward to your contribution and participation. Best regards, Michuki Mwangi Africa Bureau - Regional Development Manager Internet Society www.InternetSociety.org _______________________________________________ Afpif mailing list Afpif(a)afpif.org http://lists.afpif.org/mailman/listinfo/afpif

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Re: [kictanet] Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive
by Betty Mwangi 09 Mar '11

09 Mar '11

Mark what problem are you experiencing exactly - the system is not down Please contact me directly on 0722 514780 Rgds Betty Sent from my iPad On Mar 7, 2011, at 10:24 AM, "Mark Okuttah" <mokuttah(a)ke.nationmedia.com> wrote: > M-PESA is down again . > > Okuttah > > From: kictanet-bounces+mokuttah=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mokuttah=nation.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Betty Mwangi > Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 9:51 AM > To: Mark Okuttah > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive > > Gentlemen, > > Just to clarify the MPESA platform is the Vodafone money transfer platform you may have seen historically. There are many benefits from having the system centrally hosted but we do continue to review the pros and cons to ensure that the platform remains on the cutting edge of technology and also benefits from economies of scale through sharing resources with the other countries in which MPESA has been rolled out to. > > Best rgds > > Sent from my iPad > > On Mar 5, 2011, at 12:18 PM, "Odhiambo Washington" <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> >> >> On Sat, Mar 5, 2011 at 12:07, Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)swiftkenya.com> wrote: >> >> Betty, >> >> On 3/5/11 7:38 AM, Betty Mwangi wrote: >> > Thanks Solomon >> > >> > Indeed there was an outage on M-PESA last evening whereby the >> > connectivity between the local servers and the database in Germany >> > temporarily failed. This was resolved last evening and apologies for the >> > inconvenience >> > >> >> <rant> >> >> From a technical stand-point the statement above can be easily >> interpreted as a technically flawed design IMHO. It almost states that >> the M-PESA services are "entirely" dependent on connectivity to Germany. >> >> I doubt if this is the case and you may want to clarify. If it is the >> case - i have to say its quite a challenge on your hands to provide an >> efficient service for a local service that depends on international >> connectivity. >> >> </rant> >> >> Michuki. >> >> >> I was going to rant about this too, but I decided not to, because something hit my mind: Since I have a Safaricom WiMax link which I use only for Int'l VoIP, them having to rely on DB servers in Germany is a good thing for me (perhaps) - that they will ensure my Int'l link never goes down:-))) >> >> The negative side to what Betty said is simply something about Kenya's IT infrastructure. That Safaricom does NOT have faith in having their servers hosted locally, since they don't trust having their servers in Kenya. Now, that is another minus for Safaricom! >> >> -- >> Best regards, >> Odhiambo WASHINGTON, >> Nairobi,KE >> +254733744121/+254722743223 >> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ >> Damn!! >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: bmwangi1(a)safaricom.co.ke >> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bmwangi1%40safaricom.c… > Note: > All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricoms Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://mobile.nation.co.ke to read news on your mobile phone. ##################################################################################### NOTE: All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom�s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. #####################################################################################

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Informative Website
by Eric Kirimi 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Hallo Listers, I found this informative webinars website and thought you would be interested http://www.brighttalk.com/ regards, Eric. K

2 1

free virtualization training classes
by Paul Roy 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Folks, For those who have been asking for free virtualization training please book and attend the following fee classes http://blogs.technet.com/b/systemcenter/archive/2011/03/07/microsoft-virtua… regards, Paul Roy. Technology Strategist, Microsoft Corp.

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Kenya Blogger Invites President Kagame to an event through Twitter and he came
by Twahir Mohamed 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Dear Listers, Below is a link that has the story above.........shows how social media has increased and african leaders paying more attention to opinions on the blogsphere http://bit.ly/eFlXQ3 -- Twahir

1 0

Usage Reports from Safaricom for Prepaid Customers
by Edwin Onchari 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Listers, Is anyone aware, where on the Safaricom site I can access usage on my prepaid line. Lately, my faithful KSHS 100 weekly credit gets used up mighty fast. I would like to view the history on my account to ensure that I am not being ripped off somehow. Do any of the other Telkoms have this facility? Edwin

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ICANN board response to GAC on new gTLDs
by alice＠apc.org 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Dear all Please find attached ICANN's board response to the GAC score card on new gTLDs. best alice

1 0

The Death of Cybercafes?
by Edith Adera 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Listers Just back from Ghana where I was impressed to see that cybercafes are still alive (e.g. BusyInternet)...as my experience in Kenya is that it's hard to find a functional cybercafe within easy reach with cutting edge services and programs (PDF etc)....most are closing down with Internet available on the mobile (with aggressive competition). So outside the office set-up and with minimal home connections...one has almost no options for innovation. Is it a good thing that cybers are dying in Kenya and broadband is yet to reach homes? what needs to be done differently to inform our efforts on digital villages etc? Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> [https://email.idrc.or.ke/owa/attachment.ashx?id=RgAAAAANayfd3%2b2VQYZo%2flc…]

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Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive
by robert yawe 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Hi Listers, I had a chance to catch my namesake Robert Collymore's on the bench interview rerun with Jeff Koinange and it was quite enlightening especially from how he answered the questions. For some reason Jeff was too mellow seems like he had been given a script which was unfortunate, his interview of one Kaguta Museveni was more punchy. As I listened to the interview it became clear that Bob has still not arrived in Kenya, he is here physically but his heart must have been lost in transit, airlines keep doing it with peoples luggage, he needs a chance to arrive. I would suggest that first someone takes him across to Njuguna's preferably after Mututho, best would be if it was with a non-safaricom supplier or staff member as he needs an orientation in Kenyanism. After this he needs to visit Kiamaiko and also watch a soccer match at Dandora or Kibera stadiums then he will be better placed to comment on the Kenyan. He might even be allowed to get aware with using terms like Kubafu and peculiar to describe us. Unlike MJ, Bob has come to occupy the sit at the top of an existing ivory tower that Micheal built, from where the view can be very deceiving and his lieutenants are likely to insulate him from what is happening on the ground. If he genuinely wants to sort our the rote within Safaricom and move the organisation into the future then he must descend from the ivory tower and order his heart back via express courier otherwise his stay shall be short and uneventful. You cannot appreciate the bigger picture if you have no contact with the sectoral one, the pixels make the picture. Just my take from the answers he gave to the soft questions that where rolled towards him. Regards Bob akaribishwe kimtaa Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Re: [kictanet] Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive
by Betty Mwangi 05 Mar '11

05 Mar '11

Thanks Emmanuel - kindly send me your contact details so we can investigate this further - we do appreciate your feedback and are keen to ensure resolution. Rgds Sent from my iPad On Mar 5, 2011, at 6:00 AM, "Emmanuel Khisa" <oloo.khisa(a)googlemail.com> wrote: > Not to beat down a man who is "already down", I submit that the problem with Mpesa airtime has been a problem for more than one month on and off and the problem is much bigger than last Sunday's update. It is crucial for Safaricom to be honest with itself, and seek to once and for all fix this problem. Its not just affecting them, its affecting multiple other industries... > > My take. > > On Fri, Mar 4, 2011 at 9:36 PM, Betty Mwangi <bmwangi1(a)safaricom.co.ke> wrote: > Thanks for this information Njeri - please can you send me the details of the outlets that failed to serve you so that we can take immediate action. Further we would like to assure you that M-KESHO is operational and if you experience any problems please do not hesitate to contact me. > > Regarding Mr Ouma's e mail below it is true that following the network upgrade last weekend there was a fault with M-PESA airtime top up for self and this has also been resolved. Please send me your contact details so that we can look into your specific issue if the problem is persisting. > > We apologize for the inconvenience. > > Best rgds > > Betty Mwangi - Thuo > > > Sent from my iPad > > On Mar 4, 2011, at 6:39 PM, "Njeri" <njeri.rionge(a)igniteconsulting.co.ke> wrote: > >> I wanted to load 40k last week and was only able to do so by going to three outlets, then sending it was another issue, not to mention some told me mkesho is now mkesho kutwa. :-) >> >> Sent from my iPhone. >> >> Njeri >> >> www.njeri-rionge.com >> >> On Mar 4, 2011, at 18:22, Michael Bullut <michael.bullut(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> The MPesa service is currently down... I tried depositing some funds an hour ago at two agents in Westlands and they told me the system is unavailable... >>> >>> On Fri, Mar 4, 2011 at 3:03 PM, Michael Ouma <benomnta(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >>> If this was facebook, I would said "like this" comment. >>> >>> I can't top up my credit via mpesa neither can I top up another number via the same mpesa since last week. >>> >>> Michael Ouma >>> Journalist >>> Kenya >>> Tel:+254-725-537823 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> "Do not go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail," - Ralph Waldo Emerson >>> >>> >>> From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> >>> To: benomnta(a)yahoo.com >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> Sent: Fri, March 4, 2011 8:36:30 AM >>> Subject: [kictanet] Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive >>> >>> Hi Listers, >>> >>> I had a chance to catch my namesake Robert Collymore's on the bench interview rerun with Jeff Koinange and it was quite enlightening especially from how he answered the questions. >>> >>> For some reason Jeff was too mellow seems like he had been given a script which was unfortunate, his interview of one Kaguta Museveni was more punchy. >>> >>> As I listened to the interview it became clear that Bob has still not arrived in Kenya, he is here physically but his heart must have been lost in transit, airlines keep doing it with peoples luggage, he needs a chance to arrive. >>> >>> I would suggest that first someone takes him across to Njuguna's preferably after Mututho, best would be if it was with a non-safaricom supplier or staff member as he needs an orientation in Kenyanism. After this he needs to visit Kiamaiko and also watch a soccer match at Dandora or Kibera stadiums then he will be better placed to comment on the Kenyan. He might even be allowed to get aware with using terms like Kubafu and peculiar to describe us. >>> >>> Unlike MJ, Bob has come to occupy the sit at the top of an existing ivory tower that Micheal built, from where the view can be very deceiving and his lieutenants are likely to insulate him from what is happening on the ground. >>> >>> If he genuinely wants to sort our the rote within Safaricom and move the organisation into the future then he must descend from the ivory tower and order his heart back via express courier otherwise his stay shall be short and uneventful. You cannot appreciate the bigger picture if you have no contact with the sectoral one, the pixels make the picture. >>> >>> Just my take from the answers he gave to the soft questions that where rolled towards him. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> Bob akaribishwe kimtaa >>> >>> >>> Robert Yawe >>> KAY System Technologies Ltd >>> Phoenix House, 6th Floor >>> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >>> Kenya >>> >>> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: michael.bullut(a)gmail.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/michael.bullut%40gmail… >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Warm regards, >>> >>> Michael Bullut. >>> >>> --- >>> >>> Cell: +254 723 393 114. >>> Google Talk: michael.bullut >>> Twitter: @Kipsang >>> Blog: http://kipsang.wordpress.com/ >>> Email: michael.bullut(a)gmail.com >>> >>> --- >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: njeri.rionge(a)igniteconsulting.co.ke >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/njeri.rionge%40ignitec… >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: bmwangi1(a)safaricom.co.ke >> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bmwangi1%40safaricom.c… > Note: > All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: oloo.khisa(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/oloo.khisa%40gmail.com > > > > > -- > Oloo Khisa > P.O. Box 24324-00100 > Nairobi > 0721321086/0734321086 > http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa > ##################################################################################### NOTE: All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom�s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. #####################################################################################

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Apply now for ICANN's Leadership Positions: Introducing the Nominating Committee (NomCom)
by Alice Munyua 05 Mar '11

05 Mar '11

Dear all, (apologies for cross posting) Please see below an announcement below from ICANN's nominating committee. They are seeking to fill leadership positions with people with skills and interest in multi stakeholder policy development as well as internet governance in general. For example, the At Large Committee (ALAC) would be a very interesting entry point for people interested in a broad range of issues, ccNSO (Country Code Names Supporting Organization) works mainly on (country code top level domains) ccTLDs, while the gNSO focuses on policy development for generic names. Would be great if we could get more of us involved! best Alice ------------------- Apply now for ICANN's Leadership Positions: Introducing the Nominating Committee (NomCom) The NomCom is an independent committee that, over a three-year cycle, is responsible for the selection and appointment of half of the voting members of ICANN's Board of Directors as well as members of ICANN's policy making Supporting Organizations and Advisory Councils. The 2011 NomCom is currently seeking volunteers willing to join ICANN's leadership and help shape the future of the Internet. The application process for the following positions is now open: * At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) (3 seats, Africa; Asia/Australia/Pacific; and Latin America/Caribbean Islands regions) * Generic Names Supporting Organization Council (GNSO) (2 seats) * Country Code Names Support Organization Council (ccNSO) (1 seat) * Board of Directors (2 seats) Information about the qualifications and experience required for these positions is available on the NomCom website http://nomcom.icann.org/positions-2011.htm Self-nominations are welcome, or you can suggest a candidate -- if you know someone who could help lead development of policy for the Domain Name System, then the NomCom wants to hear from you! Visit the NomCom website http://nomcom.icann.org/ for details of how to apply http://nomcom.icann.org/apply or how to recommend an expert http://nomcom.icann.org/suggest/ for a position. NomCom Chair, Adam Peake <ajp(a)glocom.ac.jp> would be pleased to answer any questions a potential candidates may have. Closing date for applications 4 April 2011. END --

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Fwd: Jobs in Mobiles and Finance / Mobiles and Agriculture with GSMA in London
by Alice Munyua 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Jobs in Mobiles and Finance / Mobiles and Agriculture with GSMA in London Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2011 15:52:17 +0000 From: Richard Heeks <richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk> To: Richard Heeks <richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk> Job 1: Mobile Money for the Unbanked Programme Coordinator Department Development Fund Location London Salary Competitive Assesment Interview/psychometric Reporting to Programme Director Deadline: 10th of March *Description* The MMU Coordinator role is primarily a role supporting the members of the MMU team, as well as the various activities and programmes that the MMU team runs. On top of this the chosen candidate will be expected to contribute ideas for impactful mobile money industry events and workshops with the rest of the MMU team and then will be responsible for transforming these ideas into successful working sessions. This person will be responsible for creating and issuing the agenda (with input from the MMU team), preparing materials in advance, arranging logistics, communicating with members and driving attendance to the each session and also work with the Knowledge Manager to ensure that appropriate content is effectively disseminated to the wider MM community post the event. The MMU Coordinator will also be responsible for gathering appropriate feedback and carrying out analysis on the data collected from our stakeholders to ensure that we are effectively meeting their needs, having the right impact and also suggesting ways to improve our Programme activities so that we continue to raise the bar. There are currently two main events each year, which the MMU Coordinator will be expected to attend (currently planned for Singapore, June 2011), and then approximately three regional events each year (across Asia, LatAm and Africa -- Coordinator attendance TBC). They will also be responsible for customer relationship management for the MMU Programme, ensuring a database of our contacts is maintained and managed. They will also be the first line of contact for queries from existing members or enquiries from potential members of the MMU Programme. The MMU Coordinator will support the Programme Manager to complete programme management tasks such as status reporting, financial planning, etc., including tollgate reporting to our sponsors at the Gates Foundation. They will also be responsible for supplier contracting and managing the invoice payments process with the Finance teams, to ensure all suppliers are contracted and managed appropriately. They will also be responsible for supporting the team during peak periods, either for administration support (e.g. booking meetings, travel, etc.) or more ad hoc tasks (to be agreed with the Coordinator and the Programme Manager). The MMU Coordinator will also be responsible for ensuring that MMU is appropriately represented in wider Mobile Money events, through ensuring good coordination with their opposite number from the wider MM theme. The MMU Coordinator will be an integral part of the MMU team and will be exposed not only to the operational side of the Programme but also on helping to shape our activities and strategy, e.g. they will be expected to contribute ideas for how we can continue to increase our impact on the mobile money industry. They will work closely with the Programme Manager to ensure that the strategy and operational plans are regularly reviewed and any modifications are effectively communicated to the wider Development Fund and beyond as appropriate. The MMU Coordinator will also be given their own MMU project to complete, which will require research (this may be a primary research such as an interview for the MMU Newsletter with a key player in the industry, or secondary research based on existing published materials). The scope of this will be agreed with the Programme Manager, based on the programme's needs as well as the Coordinator's own interests and aspirations. They will have significant exposure to the key players in the mobile money industry and will be expected to have a keen interest in learning about the role of mobile communications to bank the unbanked, and growing their own network in this space. The MMU Coordinator will report to the Programme Manager. *Context* GSMA -- Mobile Money for the Unbanked Programme (MMU) The MMU Programme is sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the Programme is to provide mobile money services to 20 million new unbanked people who are living on sub $2 per day by 2012. Furthermore, MMU will strive for mobile money to 1) be considered mainstream business for mobile operators, 2) be extensively available to those who have been previously unbanked, and 3) extend the reach and reduce the costs for formal financial services such as savings, insurance and credit. The Programme will achieve its aims by working closely with key industry bodies (regulatory bodies and financial institutions) as well as a number of mobile network operators (GSMA members) who have the opportunity to make the biggest impact within the mobile money space. MMU will also work to raise advocacy for mobile money more broadly within the industry, by ensuring that key industry developments, learnings and best practice are appropriately packaged and shared. MMU will convene the industry in a series of Working Groups and Sub-Groups, in order to better understand and resolve key issues facing mobile money. It will also provide grant funding to mobile money projects, in order to foster innovation and accelerate deployments, and the MMU team will work closely with these projects to ensure their success. The right candidate will join a young, dynamic, high performing team (currently 5 people strong, from financial services, telecommunications and strategy consulting backgrounds). There will be extensive travel opportunities, particularly within developing markets across Asia, Latin America and Africa. *Criteria* GSMA - The Person The role requires an individual who is a well organized team player, with a desire to learn about mobile money and play a role in supporting the development of this industry through our Programme. Specifically: - Drive and proactivity - demonstrates a "can do" attitude, and eager to identify and suggest ways of improving existing processes - Previous experience of working on a large Programme and knowledge of programme management practices - Very conscientious -- sets high personal standards and shows excellent attention to detail - Highly professional -- comfortable interacting with internal and external stakeholders, including C-level executives - Demonstrates a will to learn about the industry (by active participation in team meetings, with questions or insight about MMU industry) - Good knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word and Powerpoint) - Basic analytical skills - Able to quickly grasp new concepts and ideas - Willingness to travel on an international basis - Excellent cultural awareness and a desire to work with teams around the world - language skills highly desirable Click here to complete an application form for this position https://infocentre.gsm.org/cgi-bin/jb_job_apply.cgi?jb_job_id=dev-lon-210&j… Fund <https://infocentre.gsm.org/cgi-bin/jb_job_apply.cgi?jb_job_id=dev-lon-210&j…> Job 2: mAgri Coordinator *Role Details* __ Role Title: mAgri Coordinator *Reporting to: mAgri Director* Company: GSMA Development Fund ** * Location: London* ** *About the GSMA Development Fund* ** The GSMA Development Fund exists to accelerate economic, social and environmental development through the use of mobile technology. We believe that providing tangible, accessible mobile services to people in developing countries is invaluable to society and can help improve people's lives. The Development Fund leverages the industry expertise of the GSMA and its members, as well as the development expertise of international agencies and non-profit organisations to accelerate mobile services in six areas: Mobile Agriculture, Mobile Money for the Unbanked, Green Power for Mobile, mWomen, Mobile Health and Mobile Learning.Together with our partners, we incubate and replicate new mobile services in communities where they can make a positive difference. We believe that "doing good, is good business" and that with more than 3 billion users, 'base of the pyramid' markets are the future for mobile growth and innovation. The mobile industry is therefore uniquely positioned to deliver economic and social value to these markets. In order to drive developments in this area the Development Fund's role is to catalyse innovation, drive market scaling and increase knowledge networking to achieve the following objectives: ·Increase the number of effective, scalable and replicable development initiatives using mobile technology in emerging markets. ·Implement these initiatives in a scalable and sustainable fashion, bringing socio-economic benefits to individuals and communities. ·Increase awareness among governments and the development community of how GSM voice and data networks act as an agent of development and can be used to bridge the digital divide. http://www.gsmworld.com/developmentfund/index.shtml ** *Programme Description * ** ** GSMA -- Mobile Agriculture (mAgri) The GSMA Development Fund's Mobile Agriculture (mAgri) initiative has been established to catalyse the deployment of mobile solutions to serve the agriculture sector. To date, focus has been to engage with mobile operators and their partners to accelerate the availability of agriculture information based services through mobile to farmers (mFarmer services). In partnerships with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, the mAgri programme has supported and piloted two projects in Africa and India. We are due to launch a second phase of mAgri programme -- mFarmer sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the mFarmer programme is to work with mobile network operators and partners to support the launch of quality agricultural VAS that will be accessed by over 2 million smallholder farmers. The programme aims to provide a sustainable way for farmers to obtain critical life-enhancing agricultural information that can help them improve their farm productivity and income. The mFarmer programme will achieve its aims by working closely with mobile network operators (GSMA members) and other public and private sector agriculture organisations who are implementing agricultural VAS. Through an open application process, the mFarmer programme will award challenge funds, technical assistance and an electronic content database to selected mFarmer projects, in order to foster innovation and accelerate deployments. The mAgri team will work closely on the ground with these projects to ensure their success. The mAgri team will also work to raise advocacy for mobile agriculture more broadly within the industry, by ensuring that key industry developments, learnings and best practices are appropriately packaged and shared; and convene the industry in order to better understand and resolve key issues facing mobile agriculture initiatives. The right candidate will join a newly forming, young, dynamic, high performing team. There will be travel opportunities, particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa. *Role Description* ** ** The role will encompass: ·*Programme management support*(40%) - the mAgri Coordinator will work with the mAgri team to create a robust programme management structure to support the new programme and will be actively involved in tasks such as status reporting and financial reporting. They will be responsible for supplier contracting and managing the invoice payments process with the Finance teams, to ensure all suppliers are contracted and managed appropriately. They will support the grant management co-ordination and work closely with the grant management partner and applicants. They will also be responsible for customer relationship management for the mAgri Programme, ensuring a database of our contacts is maintained and managed. They will be the first line of contact for queries from existing members or enquiries from potential members of the mAgri Programme. They will also be responsible for supporting the team during peak periods, either for administration support (e.g. booking meetings, travel, etc.) or more ad hoc tasks (to be agreed with the Coordinator and the Programme Director). ·*Marketing support (20%) *- The mAgri Coordinator will work closely with the mAgri team and marketing team to raise the profile of the mAgri programme. They will be responsible for co-ordinating marketing plans, establishing and maintaining the presence of the mAgri programme on-line, studying industry trends, and co-ordinating knowledge management with the wider team. The mAgri Coordinator will be an integral part of the mAgri team and will be exposed not only to the operational side of the Programme but also on helping to shape our activities and strategy, and they will be expected to contribute ideas for how we can continue to increase our impact on the mAgri industry. They will work closely with the Programme Director to ensure that the strategy and operational plans are regularly reviewed and any modifications are effectively communicated to the wider Development Fund and beyond as appropriate. ·*Events and workshop co-ordination*(20%) - The mAgri Coordinator will work with the mAgri team to create successful knowledge transfer sessions (for example, working groups, webinars, workshops). This person will be responsible for all logistical planning and execution including issuing the agenda (with input from the mAgri team), preparing materials in advance, arranging logistics, communicating with members and driving attendance to the each session and also work with the mAgri team to ensure that appropriate content is effectively disseminated to the wider mAgri community pre, during and post the event. The mAgri Coordinator will also be responsible for gathering appropriate feedback and carrying out analysis on the data collected from our stakeholders to ensure that we are effectively meeting their needs, having the right impact and also suggesting ways to improve our Programme activities so that we continue to raise the bar. The person will have significant exposure to the key players in the mobile agriculture industry and will be expected to have a keen interest in learning about the role of mobile communications to serve the agriculture sector, and growing their own network in this space. The mAgri co-ordinator will also spend 20% of their time supporting the GSMA Development Fund more widely and helping to co-ordinate GSMA Development Fund cross-programme activities, as directed by the Managing Director of the Development Fund. *GSMA Package* ** ** Salary band £28-£35k, subject to experience Bonus up to 10% of salary The GSMA is able to provide suitably motivated candidates with a first class working environment, access to all of the key decision makers in a one of the planets largest and most progressive industry's and the content to keep a curious mind engaged. Many of our alumni have now taken key roles in the development of the industry. How to apply Name: Clare Kibbey Contact form or email: jobs(a)gsm.org Application deadline: Fri, 25/03/2011 Job 3: mAgri Manager *Role Details* Role Title: mAgri Manager Reporting to: mAgri Director Company: GSMA Development Fund Location: Sub-Saharan Africa (location tbd) *About the GSMA Development Fund* The GSMA Development Fund exists to accelerate economic, social and environmental development through the use of mobile technology. We believe that providing tangible, accessible mobile services to people in developing countries is invaluable to society and can help improve people's lives. The Development Fund leverages the industry expertise of the GSMA and its members, as well as the development expertise of international agencies and non-profit organisations to accelerate mobile services in six areas: Mobile Agriculture, Mobile Money for the Unbanked, Green Power for Mobile, mWomen, Mobile Health and Mobile Learning. Together with our partners, we incubate and replicate new mobile services in communities where they can make a positive difference. We believe that "doing good, is good business" and that with more than 3 billion users, 'base of the pyramid' markets are the future for mobile growth and innovation. The mobile industry is therefore uniquely positioned to deliver economic and social value to these markets. In order to drive developments in this area the Development Fund's role is to catalyse innovation, drive market scaling and increase knowledge networking to achieve the following objectives: ? Increase the number of effective, scalable and replicable development initiatives using mobile technology in emerging markets. ? Implement these initiatives in a scalable and sustainable fashion, bringing socioeconomic benefits to individuals and communities. ? Increase awareness among governments and the development community of how GSM voice and data networks act as an agent of development and can be used to bridge the digital divide. http://www.gsmworld.com/developmentfund/index.shtml *GSMA -- Mobile Agriculture (mAgri)* The GSMA Development Fund's Mobile Agriculture (mAgri) initiative has been established to catalyse the deployment of mobile solutions to serve the agriculture sector. To date, focus has been to engage with mobile operators and their partners to accelerate the availability of agriculture information based services through mobile to farmers (mFarmer services). In partnerships with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, the mAgri programme has supported and piloted two projects in Africa and India. We are due to launch a second phase of mAgri programme -- mFarmer sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the mFarmer programme is to work with mobile network operators and partners to support the launch of quality agricultural VAS that will be accessed by over 2 million smallholder farmers. The programme aims to provide a sustainable way for farmers to obtain critical life-enhancing agricultural information that can help them improve their farm productivity and income. The mFarmer programme will achieve its aims by working closely with mobile network operators (GSMA members) and other public and private sector agriculture organisations who are implementing agricultural VAS. Through an open application process, the mFarmer programme will award challenge funds, technical assistance and an electronic content database to selected mFarmer projects, in order to foster innovation and accelerate deployments. The mAgri team will work closely on the ground with these projects to ensure their success. The mAgri team will also work to raise advocacy for mobile agriculture more broadly within the industry, by ensuring that key industry developments, learnings and best practices are appropriately packaged and shared; and convene the industry in order to better understand and resolve key issues facing mobile agriculture initiatives. Th right candidate will join a newly forming, young, dynamic, high performing team. *Programme Description* The GSMA Development Fund is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to work as a manager across multiple mFarmer projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. The role will encompass: ? Technical Assistance (70%) -- work directly with potential grantees to develop grant applications (which will include operational and business plans for the mFarmer projects) that can be presented to the Fund Panel. Support operators which have received funding from the mFarmer Fund and work onsite as a consultant/technical advisor to develop and implement their service strategy, robust business and operational plans, share lessons learned in other markets, and troubleshoot key challenges. Ensure the agricultural service is designed and implemented to provide a high-quality of service and impact to farmers; and can be scaleable and sustainable. Provide IT/systems assistance for the integration of an electronic content database. Develop and manage key stakeholders relationships critical for the programme's success, including mobile phone operators, value added service providers, agriculture institutes and donor agencies. Understand and develop new business models and partnerships. ? Best practice and knowledge sharing (15%) -- Help define the overall GSMA mAgri advocacy strategy. Extract key learnings and analytics from each mFarmer project deployment and raise advocacy for mobile agricultural services more broadly within the industry, by ensuring that key industry developments, learnings and best practices are appropriately packaged and shared. This could be in the form of writing case studies and online reports and conducting knowledge sharing sessions via working groups, webinars and workshops (in collaboration with the other mAgri team members). ? Programme and project monitoring (15%) -- Define project plans, milestones and success measures; prepare timely and comprehensive analysis of progress against metrics and milestones. Prepare progress and financial reports, as required. Manage third party monitoring and evaluation services. Liaise with a third party grant management organisation to contract grants and ensure contractual obligations are met. *Role Description* - Consultancy and business development experience - Outstanding general and project management skills - Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills - Proven track record of achievement under a range of challenging situations (ideally in multiple countries, especially developing countries) - Experienced or passionate in agriculture development and the role of mobile technology - Experience of the mobile telecoms sector and development sector is desirable - Experience of designing or implementing new IT systems is desirable - Excellent relationship management and cultural awareness skills, able to work equally well in a CEO boardroom or a local village - Driven, proactive and conscientious professional - Excellent analytical skills - Willingness to travel on an international basis How to apply Name: Clare Kibbey Contact form or email: jobs(a)gsm.org Application deadline: Fri, 25/03/2011

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2011 Anita Borg Change Agent Awards Nominations Open
by Dorcas Muthoni 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

2011 Anita Borg Change Agent Awards Nominations Open *Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology Honors Individuals **Advancing Women’s Participation in the Creation and Use of Technology Worldwide* *PALO ALTO, Calif. — February 22, 2011, —* The *Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology <http://www.anitaborg.org/>* announced today it has opened the *Call for Nominations<http://anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/change-agent-awards/> * for the *Anita Borg Change Agent Awards<http://anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/change-agent-awards/> *. The Change Agent Awards celebrate the accomplishments of technical women from, and who work in, developing countries. These awards are designed to recognize up-and-coming leaders that impact or advance women’s participation in technology. Three individual awards will be given to women in computing that demonstrate leadership within their communities, expand opportunities and influence the careers of girls and women in technology, and demonstrate impact on advancing women’s participation in technology. Each winner will receive up to $5,000 in travel reimbursement to attend the *Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing <http://www.gracehopper.org/>*. Past winners have come from Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. The Change Agent Awards are sponsored by Google. *The awards will be presented on November 11, 2011 at the Grace Hopper Celebration in Portland, Oregon. Nominations will be accepted until May 2, 2011 at **http://anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/change-agent-awards**/.* *About the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (ABI)* The Anita Borg Institute provides resources and programs to help industry, academia, and government recruit, retain, and develop women leaders in high-tech fields, resulting in higher levels of technological innovation. ABI programs serve high-tech women by creating a community and providing tools to help them develop their careers. ABI is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 charitable organization. ABI Partners include: Google, Microsoft, HP, CA, Cisco, First Republic Bank, IBM, Intel, Intuit, Lockheed Martin, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, NetApp, SAP, Symantec, Thomson Reuters, Wilson Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, Motorola Foundation, Yahoo, Amazon, Facebook, and Raytheon. For more information, visit * www.anitaborg.org*. *Media Contact:** **Jerri Barrett** **650-857-6095** **jerrib(a)anitaborg.org*

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