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DiploFoundation Call for Applications IGCBP 2009]
by alice 21 Jan '09

21 Jan '09

Call for Applications Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme 2009 DiploFoundation is currently accepting applications for the 2009 Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme (IGCBP09). This online programme is designed to improve Internet governance (IG) related knowledge and skills for participants mainly from developing countries. The Programme also facilitates community-building among individuals with different national, cultural, and professional backgrounds. The Programme The programme offers 120 places for young professionals from diverse stakeholder backgrounds in IG-related fields and is open to individuals from around the world. The first two phases of the programme are conducted entirely online. The programme includes three phases, which take place over eight months during 2009: 1. The online training phase consists of: -- a 11-week long Foundation Course, introducing IG policy, process, and actors, and covering 5 thematic baskets: Infrastructure and Standardisation Basket, Legal Basket, Economic Basket, Socio-Cultural Basket, Development Basket, and a section on the IG Process and Actors; -- a 7-week long module of the Advanced Course, covering one advanced topic to be chosen by each participant from a pool of modules such as: Intellectual Property Rights, Infrastructure and Economic Models of Interconnectivity, Privacy, Security and others. Learning activities take place in an online classroom and include the 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. 2. The online policy research phase is an optional 3-month period of supervised, collaborative online work focused on IG policy issues of highest relevance to developing countries, and is closely linked to training activities. 3. The optional policy immersion phase includes capacity-building fellowships awarded to a number of successful participants in the programme, such as internships with partner organisations including a fellowship with the IGF Secretariat in Geneva, and attendance at IG-related meetings, including the Internet Governance Forum later in the year. Languages Programme materials and the online platform website are fully in English. Besides English-speaking groups, several bilingual groups will be formed for the foundation course, having English as the primary language, and either Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Spanish as the secondary language for communication and interaction. Target Audience Diplo seeks applications from the following categories of individuals from both developed and developing countries: -- officials in government ministries and departments dealing with IG-related issues (e.g., telecommunications, education, foreign affairs, justice); -- postgraduate students and researchers in the IG field (e.g., in telecommunications, electrical engineering, law, economics, development studies); -- civil society activists in the IG field; -- journalists covering IG issues; -- individuals in Internet-business fields (e.g., ISPs, software developers). Timeline 2 March-17 May 2009 – Foundation Course on Internet Governance 25 May-17 July 2009 – Advanced Course on Internet Governance 1 September- 8 November 2009 – Policy Research Phase (optional) July 2009 through 2009 – Policy Immersion (fellowships) Fee 1) Foundation course: Euro 500. 2) Advanced course: Euro 500. 3) Research phase: Euro 200. Applicants from developing countries (non-members of OECD) are eligible to apply for scholarship support for the programme - a number of full and partial scholarships will be offered. Applicants from developing countries who will require financial assistance to attend the course should remember to check the appropriate box on the Online Application Form. Requirements The applicants are required to have: -- basic awareness and interest in IG issues; -- knowledge and/or experience of the multistakeholder approach in international affairs; -- fluency in English, as well as fluency in the second language for the applicants to any of bilingual groups; -- 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 the programme. This is perhaps the single most important requirement and should be evaluated seriously by any potential applicants; -- readiness to participate in online consultations (once a week at specified times). Deadline The deadline for applications is 11 February 2009, by midnight UTC/GMT. How to Apply For further information and to apply, please visit: http://www.diplomacy.edu/ig/ Do not hesitate to contact us at ig(a)diplomacy.edu. ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance(a)lists.cpsr.org To be removed from the list, send any message to: governance-unsubscribe(a)lists.cpsr.org For all list information and functions, see: http://lists.cpsr.org/lists/info/governance

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Obama Speech puzzle: read, memorised or simply no script?
by Maina Samson 21 Jan '09

21 Jan '09

The Obama speech puzzle. Obama had a written speech which was infact distributed to media houses before he read it. But watching him present the speech, I was alomost convinced he was reading it off his brain, his own head if you like. Is he a master of reading off teleprompters or do you think he memorised it, or just gave a haphazard/unscripted speech? Samson

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Media Condoning Corruption
by Victor Maloi 21 Jan '09

21 Jan '09

Dear Folks, On Monday the PS launched a Disaster Management System at Serena. The system objectives are to: 1) monitor incidences of extreme hunger in rural areas and 2) monitor incidences of corruption (stealing of relief food) in field offices. Within six hours, some 3,500 had called the 109 toll free number giving graphic details how releief food is being stolen by in some cases agents working for relief organization. The media safe for KBC and K24, blacked out this initiative. It has emerged that some directors of relief organizations were livid that the Government did not consult them. Indeed one of the major relief agency has employed people from one village. Instead of acting on the corruption vice, they approached media to form a partnership ostensibly to "help the poor". They are meeting this morning to announce the partnership while keeping a tight lid on the earlier initiatives. Yawe, Crystal, indeed Technology works but as you can see our brothers in the media can frustrate a noble objective to get even with government. Bwana PS, I know the FOI is not law yet but we demand that these revelations are published in alternative media if mainstream media is getting its hands dirtied. Victor.

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[Fwd: Training on 'Security in a Box' in Nairobi, 28 - 30 January]
by alice 21 Jan '09

21 Jan '09

Dear all, Details about the event/training are below. Please write directly to Dmitri <dmitri(a)tacticaltech.org> if you have any questions. best alice -------- Original Message -------- Dear You are hereby invited to participate in a Training of Trainers (ToT), as part of the upcoming launch of the 'Security in a Box' project's latest edition. http://fr.security.ngoinabox.org/ The event will occur on 28 - 30 January, in Nairobi. The purpose of the event, which will be led by the regional training coordinator, is to introduce the curriculum, software and accompanying documentation to active security trainers. Participants are expected to have the ability, opportunity and motivation to share the knowledge they gain from this event with rights advocates, NGOs, human rights defenders, independent journalists and other such groups in their region. The project will select two or three participants from each regional meeting and offer them an honorarium for teaching at two digital security trainings in the following year. These trainings will be based on 'Security in a Box' material and agreed to in advance by Frontline and Tactical Tech. ToT participants will be expected to familiarize themselves with the 'Security in a Box' project's content prior to attending the ToT. In order to facilitate this, they will be given access to the project's website while it remains under development. Please reply within one week, confirming your interest. For any questions, please write to gbombambo(a)gmail.com and dmitri(a)tacticaltech.org --- for more info on the project as whole, one could refer to the http://tacticaltech.org/sectoolkit site dmitri -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Karel Novotny working from Montevideo, Uruguay Knowledge Sharing Projects Coordinator Strategic Use Programme APC - The Association for Progressive Communications http://www.apc.org GSM: +598 983 010 99 (GMT -2) sip: karelnovotny(a)ekiga.net ---------------------------------------------------- Online Monday - Wednesday/en línea lunes - miércoles ----------------------------------------------------

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Fwd: ICANN POLICY UPDATE January 2009
by waudo siganga 21 Jan '09

21 Jan '09

Sorry for any cross-postings.... [1]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm ICANN POLICY UPDATE Volume 09, Issue 01 - January 2009 [2]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/ CONTENTS: YOUR INPUT NEEDED ON POLICY ISSUES [3]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#1 DISTANCE LEARNING...AUDIO POLICY BRIEFINGS ON MANY TOPICS NOW AVAILABLE [4]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#2 E-CRIME WORKSHOP PLANNED FOR MEXICO CITY [5]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#3 GNSO IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS KICKING IN TO GEAR [6]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#4 WORKING GROUP TACKLES ICANN'S GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS FRAMEWORK [7]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#5 DORIA CONFIRMED AS GNSO COUNCIL CHAIR FOR SIX MORE MONTHS [8]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#6 REGISTRATION ABUSE POLICIES EXAMINED BY GNSO [9]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#7 MAKING IT EASIER TO TRANSFER DOMAINS BETWEEN REGISTRARS [10]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#8 CONSTITUENCIES SHARE VIEWS ON NEED FOR WHOIS STUDIES [11]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#9 HOW DO WE DEAL WITH FAST FLUXING CYBERCRIMINALS? [12]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#10 ALAC REQUESTS ISSUES REPORT ON EXPIRED DOMAIN NAME RECOVERY [13]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#11 ALAC & GNSO VOTE ON REGISTRAR ACCREDITATION AGREEMENT (RAA) AMENDMENTS [14]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#12 AT-LARGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FINALIZING ADVISORIES [15]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#13 PREPARATIONS FOR AT-LARGE SUMMIT IN MEXICO CITY CONTINUE [16]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#14 GLOBAL IPV4 POLICY SOON TO REACH ICANN BOARD [17]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#15 SSAC KEEPS SHARP FOCUS ON DOMAIN ABUSE AND PHISHING PREVENTION MEASURES [18]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#16 IDN FAST TRACK IMPLEMENTATION PROPOSAL UNDER DEVELOPMENT [19]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#17 The ICANN Policy Update contains brief summaries of issues being addressed by the ICANN community's bottom-up policy development structure, as well as information on related policy development activities. ICANN's Policy Staff publishes these monthly updates to maximize transparency and encourage broad community participation in ICANN's policy development activities. Links to additional information are included and readers are encouraged to go beyond these brief summaries to learn more about the ICANN community's work. As always, the Policy Staff welcomes comments and suggestions on how to improve its policy communications efforts. Please send these comments to [20]policy-staff(a)icann.org. ICANN Policy Update Available in Russian, Chinese, Arabic, French, Spanish, English The ICANN Policy Update is available in all six official languages of the United Nations: English (EN), Spanish (ES), French (FR), Arabic (AR), Chinese (Simplified -- siZH), and Russian (RU). The Policy Update is posted on ICANN's website and available via online subscription. If you would like us to send these updates directly to your inbox each month, simply go to the ICANN subscriptions page, enter your e-mail address, and select "Policy Update" to subscribe. This service is free of charge to subscribers. More information is available at: ICANN Policy Updates: [21]http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/ Subscribe to Policy Updates: [22]http://www.icann.org/en/newsletter/ ICANN Policy Area: [23]http://www.icann.org/en/policy/ What's on the Calendar for today? Keep up-to-date on what's happening in ICANN policy development by visiting the online calendars of ICANN's policy development bodies. Three of the most active calendars include: At-Large Calendar at [24]http://www.atlarge.icann.org/ Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Master Calendar, including links to agendas and MP3 recordings of meetings at [25]http://ccnso.icann.org/calendar/ Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Master Calendar, including links to agendas and MP3 recordings of meetings, at [26]http://gnso.icann.org/calendar/index.html Glen de Saint Géry GNSO Secretariat [27]gnso.secretariat(a)gnso.icann.org [28]http://gnso.icann.org References 1. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm 2. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/ 3. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#1 4. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#2 5. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#3 6. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#4 7. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#5 8. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#6 9. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#7 10. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#8 11. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#9 12. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#10 13. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#11 14. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#12 15. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#13 16. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#14 17. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#15 18. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#16 19. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan09-en.htm#17 20. mailto:[email protected] 21. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/ 22. http://www.icann.org/en/newsletter/ 23. http://www.icann.org/en/policy/ 24. http://www.atlarge.icann.org/ 25. http://ccnso.icann.org/calendar/ 26. http://gnso.icann.org/calendar/index.html 27. mailto:[email protected] 28. http://gnso.icann.org/

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We have failed Kenya, again
by robert yawe 21 Jan '09

21 Jan '09

Hi All, I am ashamed to be an information technology professional, we have failed our country yet again by taking the high road and spending all our time lambasting politicians for issues such as the media bills yet we are no better. Last time I checked there was no profession like politician but there is information technology. Why am I concentrating on a none Obama issue at such a time when the entire world & africa have their eyes facing Washington, because that will not stop crop failures, starvation of innocent children or reduce of fuel costs. Last week's head lines where scary to say the least, our food security reserves where sold off to Sudan & a revelation on the disapperarance of millions of litres of fuel from under the nostrils of KRA, KPC & GOK. Stop that thought, none of this events has anything to do with the media bill as it had not been signed when this activitites where going on & the politicians are not to blame either as they are generally not farmers but peddlers of promises and inuendo. The buck stops here with me & you the so called information technology experts, gurus, kemenyis . . . All we have done is blame the lack of high speed internet access for everthing from failed marriages to space travel, yet we would have spent our energys developing solutions to stop this age old issue of famine and petty theft instead of lamenting over irrelevancies and red herrings. Information is power, thus us as information technology professionals weld more power than even the proverbial pen. So now that I have your undivided attention here is my point, we have proven and tested national wireless connectivity network provided by SafariCom, Zaine & Telkom/Orange yet it takes us 9 months to notice that not enough maize was planted. You tell me what the cost would be to setup a land utilisation database with regular updates, I will not waste my finger grease trying to discuss this you all now this is a no brainer. Fuel disappears from a storage tank and no one noticed it was missing for a whole year until some fellow followed a routine year end procedure of taking stock take an act that resulted in his firing for not getting permission from the chief executive, whose holding the smoking gun I ask? Do KPC & ministry of agriculture actual have IT personnel on their payroll? Fire them, then the entire ICT Board, ICT Secretary to the cabinet, entire staff of the directorate of e-government, entire staff of government information technology services & anyone else who is mandated with the responsibility of advicing government on issues of technology. Not forgetting one Dr. Mutua, yes Dr. Ndemo too. We cannot be discussing call centres, bpo, ID card application monitoring, electronic passport applications, issues that will impact less than 1% of the population while leaving out a strategic issue like food security and fuel supply. Obama as president of the USA, the landing of 3 marine cables & the revision of the media bill is not the fix all for our problems here where we are, the world is at war & if we cannot feed our troops how do we expect to battle? Lets look at technology as a means to an end & not an end in itself. Lets use the available technology to solve real problems as that is the only legacy we can leave behind. 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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Obama Speech puzzle: read, memorised or simply no script?
by Maina Samson 21 Jan '09

21 Jan '09

The Obama speech puzzle. Obama had a written speech which was infact distributed to media houses before he read it. But watching him present the speech, I was alomost convinced he was reading it off his brain, his own head if you like. Is he a master of reading off teleprompters or do you think he memorised it, or just gave a haphazard/unscripted speech? Samson

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Obama...ICT & media
by Wainaina Mungai 20 Jan '09

20 Jan '09

Back to work... Here's a view of ICT & media policies under the Obama administration - http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/technology --- Highlights --- 1. supports control of media to protect 'our children'... 2. supports network neutrality on the Internet... 3. wants to reform Universal Service Fund...so he can spread true broadband all-over the USA... 4. will appoint the first-ever national CTO (Chief Technology Officer) and CIOs for each department ('Ministry')... 5. Protect the right to privacy... 6. Many more... We may want to use the policy brief as a lesson for our own plans. Wainaina -- Sent from my mobile device --- http://www.bungesms.com TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms KABISSA.org - http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network KAMPALA Workshop presentation - http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya…

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Fwd: Call for Papers: 12th Advances in Computer Games Conference, Pamplona, Spain
by waudo siganga 18 Jan '09

18 Jan '09

On Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:43:04 +0100, "J.W. Hellemons" <J.W.Hellemons(a)uvt.nl> said: > *apolgies for cross posting > > CALL FOR PAPERS: ADVANCES IN COMPUTER GAMES 12 CONFERENCE > > Pamplona, España > 11-13 May 2009 > > H.J. van den Herik and P.H.M. Spronck (editors) > > Tilburg, The Netherlands / Pamplona, España > > The twelfth conference on Advances in Computer Games (ACG12) will be held > in > Pamplona, España, in conjunction with the 17th WCCC and the 14th Computer > Olympiad at El Centro Europe de Empresas e Innovación de Navarra (CIEN). > The > conference commences on Monday May 11 at 12.30-17.00h and will take place > on > three or consecutive days; the other days from 8.30h till 12.30h. The > conference aims in the first place at providing an international forum > for > computer-games researchers presenting new results on ongoing work. The > recent successes of the ACG Conferences and the Computers and Games > conferences have encouraged the organizers to widen their scope and > therefore we encourage contributions on Robotic Pool and Snooker as well > as > on virtual and video games and modern board games. So, we invite > contributors to submit papers on all aspects of research related to > computers and games. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to: (1) > the current state of game-playing programs for classic and modern board > and > card games, (2) the current state of virtual and video games, (3) new > theoretical developments in game-related research, and (4) general > scientific contributions produced by the study of games. Also researchers > on > topics such as (5) social aspects of computer games, (6) cognitive > research > of how humans play games, and (7) issues related to networked games are > invited to submit their contributions. > > Important Dates > Paper Submission February 20, 2009 > Acceptance Notification April 10, 2009 > Camera-ready Papers May 1, 2009 > > Paper Submission Requirements > Papers of 8 to 10 pages are preferred. The maximum length is 12 pages. > The > preferred format for submission is PDF, but Postscript or Word are also > acceptable. The paper must be written in the English language. We expect > to > publish the proceedings in the Lecture Note Series (LNCS/LNAI) format. > Please follow the instructions for authors available at the Springer > LNCS/LNAI Web: http://www.springer.de/comp/lncs/authors.html. > > Refereeing Process > The usual full refereeing process will be executed. Papers will be > refereed > by members of the Programme Committee. In practice, this means that > papers > are accepted if their topic suits the conference and their overall > quality > is acceptable. Accepted papers will be scheduled for presentation during > the > conference and will be printed as conference proceedings. Authors of > accepted papers, or their representatives, are expected to present their > papers at the conference. Notice of acceptance of papers will be sent by > April 10, 2009 to the principal author. Camera-ready papers are due by > May > 1, 2009. > > Registration > Registration Fee Early Late > (On or before April 15) Late (After April 15) > Participants Euro 170 Euro 200 > Students Euro 100 Euro 120 > Admission to the conference and a copy of conference proceedings are > included in the conference registration fee. > > Proceedings > The editing and processing of the contributions to the proceedings will > be > led by Prof. H.J. van den Herik and Dr. P.H.M. Spronck. The proceedings > will > be published in 2009. During the conference participants can order > (additional) copies. > > The Programme Committee consists of: Jaap van den Herik (chair), Pieter > Spronck (co-chair), et al. > > The Organising Committee consists of: Johanna Hellemons (chair), et al. > > More information: Prof.dr. H.J. van den Herik, Tilburg University, TiCC, > P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands, email: > H.J.vdnHerik(a)uvt.nl > or Johanna Hellemons, email: info(a)icga.org. > > >

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Running commentary from Stakeholders meeting on KCA Amendments
by Brian Longwe 17 Jan '09

17 Jan '09

Hi all, We have just been categorically informed that the recently passec Kenya Communications (Amendment) Act, 2008 is actually in force, effective and totally, completely LAW. We are also informed that it is NOT A MEDIA LAW - there is already a Media Act This is contrary to many who have alleged that the law has been withheld - pending review.... wow..... Brian

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[Fwd: TENDER FOR EVALUATION OF ICT WORK]
by alice 16 Jan '09

16 Jan '09

TENDER FOR EVALUATION WORK EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF ALIN's ICT WORK Specifically the evaluation will focus on: * To evaluate the network activities for the 4 years in relation to service delivery and relevance to country goals, MDGs etc. * To identify ways to increase the relevance, impact, and sustainability of the interventions, and of the project as a whole. * Carry out a technology audit of tools being used for service delivery and propose new tools * To assess the ALIN's structures for service delivery accountability. * To Recommendations improvements in relation to service delivery, partnerships, donors etc. The scope of the external evaluation consultancy will be based on developing tools for gathering comprehensive data from the field that highlights key network impacts and also make recommendations for improvement of ALIN. The general evaluation questions are: what is working, what is not, and why. Main Activities * Review project monitoring reports and meet with relevant project staff at both headquarters and in the field to learn about the range of interventions that the project has been supporting. * In collaboration with the ALIN team develop and agree on an approach for randomly selecting member activities to be visited in the field. The approach should ensure that the sample of selected activities includes a variety of intervention types. * With the help of the ALIN team; prepare a detailed plan for field visits to the selected community sites which includes logistical arrangements. The plan should specify how travel will be done and who will accompany the researchers on the field trips including key informants / members. * With the help of the ALIN team develop a plan for gathering information at the selected project sites. This may include structured interviews with key informants, spontaneous group discussions, and direct observation. Share the plan with the ALIN team for feedback. * Prepare an outline for the project activity reports and for the final overall assessment report. Share the outlines with the ALIN staff for any feedback, and modify as necessary. The plan for field visits and for research will constitute the inception report for the consultancy. * Carry out the plan for field research. * After field visits, the consultant should analyze information obtained from the visits and other sources (applying quantitative and qualitative social science research methods) to draw conclusions about the relevance, sustainability, and impact of the various project activities. * Write draft report summarising the findings from the field research and recommendations for improvement, based on the agreed outline. Present draft report to the ALIN team and stakeholders for review and comment. * Meet with the ALIN and stakeholders teams to discuss the comments and to share experiences of the field research. * Present the final report to the ALIN stakeholders. Please send your expression of interest stating approach, number of days, cost and CVs of people to be involved to; Finance and Administration Manager, Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN), PO Box 10098, 00100 Nairobi GPO, KENYA. e-MAIL: admin(a)alin.or.ke ________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ James Nguo, Regional Director Arid Lands Information Network | AAYMCA Building, along State House Crescent, Off State House Avenue | P.O. Box 10098 - 00100 G.P.O. Nairobi, KENYA email: james(a)alin.or.ke | Tel +254 20 2731557 | Telefax +254 20 2737813 | website: www.alin.or.ke -----Original Message----- From: alice [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 5:48 PM To: James Nguo Subject: Re: M&E Hi James Please re-send the message you want disseminated through KICTAnet lists or try and re-send it again to the list. best alice > Hi Alice, > > I had sent a message for expression of interest for M&E for ALIN's > information activities through the KICTANET d-group but this was not > validated for circulation. Any chance this can be done through KICTANET > > Best regards, > > **______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________** > > **James Nguo**, Regional Director > > **Arid Lands Information Network** | AAYMCA Building, along State > House Crescent, Off State House Avenue | > > P.O. Box 10098 - 00100 G.P.O. Nairobi, KENYA > > **email**: james(a)alin.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> | **Tel** +254 > 20 2731557 | **Telefax** +254 20 2737813 | **website**: www.alin.or.ke > <http://www.alin.or.ke/> >

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New Study on Internet Pedators by Berman Center
by alice 15 Jan '09

15 Jan '09

------------ Study finds few Internet predators By Brad Stone Published: January 14, 2009 The Internet may not be such a dangerous place for children after all. A task force created by 49 U.S. state attorneys general to look into the problem of sexual solicitation of children online has concluded that there really is not a significant problem. The findings run counter to popular perceptions of online dangers as reinforced by depictions in the media. http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/14/america/net.1-407132.php _______________________________________________ apc.forum mailing list apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

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Re: [kictanet] Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day
by Jotham Kilimo Mwale 15 Jan '09

15 Jan '09

--- On Tue, 1/13/09, Jotham Kilimo Mwale <jokilimo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Jotham Kilimo Mwale <jokilimo(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day To: "Faima Basly" <basly1(a)hotmail.com> Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 10:50 PM Section 46(H) concerned with the Commission prescribing programme code seems to me a good aspect. The positive aspect is that this section allows the Media to self-regulate in programming (see paragraph after 46(H)(d)) and the Commission will only come in if a media house is not part of this self-regulation mechanism. It is true the paragraph states that the Commission must approve the self-regulation mechanisms by the media but I do not see what is wrong with that. The argument that the Commission is not 'independent' and hence can be influenced by politicians (against who?) does not hold much water because the media is also not independent and has been influenced by the politicians (profits, etc) in the past, and it can happen in the future. In my opinion, the media have been given an opportunity to self-regulate through the Media Council of Kenya, but they have shown they are incapable or not willing to do it. A good example is during the campaign period in 2007 when the political parties came up with 'ugly' advertisements in which they tore into each other in undignified manner. The Media Council did nothing and credit goes to one media house (Nation) that chose not to air such content on their frequencies. This Act, and sections 46(H) and (I) in particular, ensures that in future all media houses will behave like the media house quoted above, self-regulate by conforming to an accepted standard in the society. Regards, Jotham --- On Mon, 1/12/09, Faima Basly <basly1(a)hotmail.com> wrote: From: Faima Basly <basly1(a)hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day To: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Monday, January 12, 2009, 12:20 PM #yiv367681158 #yiv150853050 .hmmessage P { margin:0px;padding:0px;} #yiv367681158 #yiv150853050 { font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;} #yiv367681158 #yiv150853050 .hmmessage P {margin:0px;padding:0px;} #yiv367681158 #yiv150853050 {font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;} Mr Walu, I would like to comment on the on this part, For me if the government is serious about a programming code then they must be reasonable about its implementation. It has to be a preventative approach not a punitive one. There are two sides to this coin I suspect the challenge that the media may be reacting to in the fact that the regulator/MinICT has not outlined the standards that will be used to determine appropriateness of content to be aired. so fear, masked as loss of control is driving the emotions through the depleted Ozone layer. By now direction on acceptable pre-watershed standards - attire, storylines, values, genres etc should be published for there to be meaningful debate. We are largely watching programing that is produced in the west and aired at the same time as we air it here, we are making noise because its not a cultural fit. So where are guidelines that follow our own cultures that will determine foreign content on our local TV stations? In any case if it isnt good for the young ones why should it be okay for adults? whats morally eroding for children is morally eroding for adults,I dare say. One side of the coin to me, is one of personal choice, if one feels the program is not age appropriate why is the TV on? Switch it off until news time, so why are we blaming the media, its only out to lure viewwership and make money? Dont get lured . Why does a regulator or government feel the need to exercise moral authority? Will the regulator also Monitor cable and Digital TV showing locally? . Its on kenyan airwaves in kenyan homes watched by kenyan families..The principle will have to be the same. Will there be regulation for Video and DVD libraries - or is it a question of choice to pick porn as opposed to a national geographic DVD? is this not the same as the home TV which one paid for? The other side of the coin, TV stations get into contracts that are worth millions of shillings to secure programming that is competitive and will pull and sustain a certain calibre of viewership which in turn they sell to their advertisers. They also commit way in advance for said programs and cannot wake up and cancel their contracts. It would not suprise me if what is being aired today was committed to in 2007. so there is a real potential loss of money here. Ofcourse they will cry foul. The media has itself to blame as competitiveness for viewership kept raising the bar ... Factors of influence fall far outside the TV nowadays - lets regulate Magazines too while we are at it, novels, PSP's ( lots of violent programs), Music videos, Toys ( have you seen how they dress barbie dolls nowadays?), games etc. The task of creating a programming code is noble indeed, however it will be prepared by humans with varying degrees of socio-cultural influences and it will be interesting to see the rationales behind the programming codes that are set and most important how they will be upheld reasonably without pulling media licenses and cutting programming half way. Engage the media and other stakeholders fully on this process and sanity will prevail. Ms Basly > Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:46:31 -0800 > From: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day > CC: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > To: basly1(a)hotmail.com > > Folks, > > I know alot has been shared. But no harm reminding us what is good about this Act - under the Broadcast/Media section. My assumption is members have had a chance to go through the enacted amendments - I must admit it is not easy - one must have the relevant Policy, Bill and the Amended Act together. > > However, one easy thing I noted is the bit about the Programming Code - something that tries to regulate what is broadcasted on Radio, TV and on Internet ( the .ke internet I presume). I find this might be a good point to try and bring sanity in terms of reducing the current pornographic bias on our airwaves. > > What do the others feel? Particularly those stakeholders whom am informed are just be coming out of the 1st Consultative Meeting at Serena Hotel this morning? (which incidentally shall reconvene on Thrs 15th Jan 2009 at 11am) > > Any comments? > walu. > > > --- On Mon, 1/12/09, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > > Subject: [kictanet] Online Discussion- Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day > > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Date: Monday, January 12, 2009, 9:11 AM > > Kenya Communicatoin Ammendment Act –Online Discussion. > > > > Outline Description > > The Kenyan Government has enacted the Kenya Information > > and Communication Amendment Act (2009) - popularly known as > > the ICT Bill/Media Bill and KICTAnet invites comments on the > > same. Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a > > multi-stakeholder forum that aims to enhance collaboration > > between > > various Government, Private Sector, Civil Society, > > Academia and others interested in harnessing ICT for > > development. > > > > Program Setting & Description: > > The Act has the following major categories and shall be > > discussed as outlined below: > > i) Broadcasting & Media(3days) > > ii) Information Technology (2days) > > iii) Telecommunication & Radio (2days) > > iv) Postal (1day) > > v) Academia & Socio-Cultural (implied within > > text)-2days > > > > Members shall analyse the Act over a period of two weeks > > and submit their findings for subsequent consideration to > > the Ministry of Information and Communication. > > > > > > Aim: To understand the implications of the Act and make > > recommendations for improvement. > > > > Objective > > 1. To identify and list the possible gaps, amendments and > > additions within the Kenya Communication Ammendment Act > > > > Main Outcomes/Deliverables > > 1. Participants contributions as captured and stored within > > the Online Environment > > 2. Summarised contributions in terms of Action-Items (add, > > amend, delete) > > 3. Face-2-face workshop and Presentation to the ministry. > > > > Kick off today by inviting comments on the good aspects > > within the Broadcasting sections. Tomorrow we review the bad > > and make suggestions for amemdments improvements on > > Wednesday. Floor is open. > > > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: basly1(a)hotmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/basly1%40hotmail.com Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it! _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jokilimo%40yahoo.com

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Re: [kictanet] Brian Longwe's Response to Makali
by Harry Delano 15 Jan '09

15 Jan '09

Friends, I suppose it's time for this online debate to come to a close, and take in more of the interventionist steps/measures arising out of the consultative forums currently ongoing.I suppose the goodwill is there, now that everyone is back to their senses and much informed on the legislation ( I'm sure all of us). Based on the strong critique we've all witnessed here, definitely everyone has a point to make. This is not pitting Media against ICT, or vice versa. The simple nugget is that this is our country,and there is a lot that we all need to join forces to get sorted and this is just but a tip of the iceberg. Fundamental socio-economic, and democratic gains attained this far, MUST be responsibly guarded,as we move forward to gain more ground. Many thanks, and hopefully this is closure. Harry -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+harry=inds.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 7:59 PM To: Harry Delano Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 20, Issue 46 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: Makali's response to brian longwe: KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Recommendations (Brian Munyao Longwe) 2. Re: Makali's response to brian longwe: KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Recommendations (Victor Maloi) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:39:20 +0300 From: Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Makali's response to brian longwe: KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Recommendations To: "dmakali(a)yahoo.com" <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <1EA7B49F-9251-4A1D-A8EB-1AF0139AAF5F(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed; delsp=yes Hey Daudi, No reason not to like me just coz I see things a bit differently. But that's cool, as u already know, I have plenty of haters.... Anyway back to the point. I know that you have personally experienced the abuse of power in the hands of the executive and misguided officials. I have huge respect for your unshaking stand in the face of gross cruelty. But please let me clarify myself. I am not for or against Sec 88. I just see it as a piece of a puzzle which is much bigger and which needs to be looked at from many angles by different people. I hope that you will b at the consultations kesho at Regency so that with others we can discuss appropriate interventions. Best regards bro, Mblayo Sent from my iPhone On 14 Jan 2009, at 4:56 PM, David Makali <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Brian, > I thought you are a nice guy, but now I am beginning to think that > when you run for president (of malawi? hahaha!) i will not vote for > you because i can detect a dictarotial streak in your genes (smile). > Now let me turn to your views, which i hold to be fundamentally wrong > and misguided. To start with, please stop giving sympathetic > interpretations to a bad law. The law is read in the letter (and the > spirit left to the courts). May be you have not suffered injustice and > that is why you espouse such optimism about Sect 88. If you have read > that law, please re-read it to see the venom it has. It can be used > arbitrarily and has no respect to private property or the presumption > of innocence of the victim of its application. > > There are many reasons why i think it is bad law but i will be brief. > The law says that the Minister can declare a public emergency > (NOTE: it has NOTHING to do with the State of Emergency provided for > in the Constitution!).Anything can be a public emergency, including > houseflies at city market. And all that is required is for the > minister to determine it is, and for the purposes of a law, issue a > certificate do declaring, and bar communication between people. What > is worse is that if for instance the minister is wrong and he cannot > return your equipment (at the end of the so-called emergency), he > alone will determine the value to compensate you! > Now, is that fair? What happened to the right to be heard? Due > process? > But that is not grave perhaps. It is your wrong interpretation of > that law that prompts me to respond: > The law, as i havbe stated above, does not come into force during the > period when a State of Emergency has been declared by the President as > laid out under the constitution sect 83. NO, that section brings into > force provisions of section 57 (preservation of public security act). > And what would you say Michuki used when he authorised the attack and > seizure of KTN /Standard Group equipment on the pretext that the group > had infomration prejudicial to state security (his socks were torn, > perhaps)? > As you may have noticed, he has never produced the information, > returned the seized equipment, or compensated them. And as you well > know there was no state of emergency. Good thing is he never cited the > law he employed. Up to now. > Earlier last year, there was no stat eof emergency declared when the > Minister fo Internal security invoked sect 88 to ban live > boradcasting. As you well know, the ministry recapitulated and dropped > the ban when we took them to court. Why? Because it was illegal! > Finally,let me inform you and others that that section, in fact dos > not deal with boradcasting stations but those other communication > installations and short wave radio (call them "over-over") used by > security firms, G4, Cartrack, Taxis and other courier services. > Please do not justify what is patently wrong. > For us in the media, we don't want such arbitrary actions that > threatene our lives and those who invest. So we havbe asked that those > provisions apply to you if you want or so love to keep them. > > For those who have not read, I am reproducing that offending sect > below: > > 88. On the declaration of any public emergency or in the interest > of public safety and tranquility, the Minister for the time being > responsible for internal security may, by order in writing, direct any > officer duly authorized in their behalf, to take temporary possession > of any telecommunication apparatus or any radio communication station > or apparatus within Kenya, and ? > > (d) in the case of radio communication, that any communication or > class of communication shall or shall not be emitted from any radio > communication taken under this section; or > > (e) in the case of telecommunication, that any communication > within Kenya from any person or class of persons relating to any > particular subject shall be intercepted and disclosed to such person > as may be specified in the direction; or > > (f) in the case of postal services, that any postal article or > class or description of postal article in the course of transmission > by post within Kenya shall be intercepted or detained or shall be > delivered to any officer mentioned in the order or shall be disposed > of in such manner as the Minster may direct. > > (2) A certificate signed by the Minster for the time being > responsible for internal security shall be conclusive proof of the > existence of a public emergency, or that any act done under subsection > (1) was done in the public safety or tranquility. > > (3) A telecommunication apparatus constructed, maintained or > operated by any person within Kenya or any postal article which is > sized by any officer duly authorized under subsection (1) (a) shall be > returned to the telecommunication operator at the end of the emergency > or where such apparatus or article is not returned, full compensation > in respect thereof, to be determined by the Minster, shall be paid to > the owner. > > (4) A person aggrieved by a decision of the Minster under > subsection (3) as to the compensation payable in respect of anything > seized under this section may appeal to the High Court within fourteen > days of such decision. > > David > > > --- On Wed, 1/14/09, Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> From: Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 3 of 10:-KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The >> Recommendations >> To: dmakali(a)yahoo.com >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 2:22 AM I have some slightly >> different views regarding section 88 >> >> Remembering that fact that this section can only be activated during >> a state of emergency, let us remind ourselves that since the infancy >> of this nation there has only been a state of emergency declared >> twice (in over 50 years). >> >> Why? >> >> This is because there are other laws, including the constitution, >> that state, when and how a state of emergency ought to be declared. >> These lay out the specific types of circumstances that MUST prevail >> before such a state is declared, and also who has the authority and >> mandate to declare such a state. >> >> Let us remind ourselves that during a state of emergency we have the >> equivalent of martial law - and the millitary basically have a carte >> blanche to take whatever measures necesarry to preserve the peace. >> >> The reason I say this is because whether section 88 exists or not, if >> a state of emergency is declared, broadcasters will be the first to >> receive urgent attention to ensure controlled dissemination of >> information. >> >> In fact, if the circumstances that would necessitate a state of >> emergency took place it is unlikely that any of the journalists or >> media owners would venture further than their window to peep outside >> and see if everything is OK. >> >> My point is, let us not get too emotional and overreactionary on this >> issue >> - let us keep in sight the greater goals that the KCA Amendments Act >> intends to achieve and let's get to work. >> >> Regards, >> >> Brian >> >> >> On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 8:05 AM, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> >> wrote: >> >>> Thanx for the earlier contributions of Faima and >> Vincent, and more so the >>> recent input from the Hilton Public forum as reported >> by Barrack. I will now >>> go ahead and post the proposed amendments with regard >> to the issues/problems >>> raised yesterday. >>> >>> 1. that the retained 'draconian' clause 88 >> gives unrestricted powers to the >>> two ministers (Internal Security and Information >> Ministers) and their >>> regulatory (CCK) appointees. These Powers enable them >> to declare an >>> emergency and raid media houses. The beef is that >> these powers are likely to >>> be abused particularly because of the heavy Govt >> composition of the >>> Regulatory Authorities who would likely serve their >> appointing authority >>> (Executive) rather than the common good (Public) >>> >>> Recommendation 1: Delete it or ensure that the >> Regulatory Authority (CCK) >>> is farily balanced in term of Board representation >> (i.e Govt, Media, Civil >>> Society, Academia, etc). All proposed Board Members >> must be vetted by >>> Parliament. >>> >>> 2. that the Content Regulation (Programming Code) >> aspects is also flawed in >>> that it is ONLY the Information Minister and his >> appointees who can decide >>> what is prohibited and what is not, what should go on >> air and at what time. >>> >>> Recommendation 2: This bit should be taken to the >> Media Council, whose Act >>> (Media Council Act) should be strengthened to give the >> Media Council some >>> teeth (enforcement) capabilities. >>> >>> 3. that a Signal Distribution Monopoly would be >> enforced given that current >>> broadcasters would need to channel their transmission >> through a licensed >>> signal distributor i.e. dismantle their current >> distribution infrastructure >>> in the likely event that they are not the designated >> signal distributor. >>> >>> Recommendation: ???-Havent picked up this bit of >> recommendation, someone >>> could fill in?. >>> >>> Feel free to make belated contributions on the >> previous themes as well. >>> Tomorrow we enter into the IT section and we shall >> stick to the same format >>> i.e. dissect the Good, the Bad and (the Ugly?) >> Recommendations. >>> >>> walu. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: blongwe(a)gmail.com Unsubscribe or change >>> your options at >>> >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/blongwe%40gmail. >> com >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Brian Munyao Longwe >> e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com >> cell: + 254 722 518 744 >> blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com >> meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change >> your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo. >> com > > > ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:03:22 +0300 From: "Victor Maloi" <victormaloi3(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Makali's response to brian longwe: KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Recommendations To: dmakali(a)yahoo.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <6e538b390901140903k70b727a2p2e42ac1d8986a628(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Everybody knows very well that when the rating of some specific media house goes down, they chokosa government so that people can be sympatetic. End of Decenber they tried to use my Maasai brother to do the same but this time round the government was smarter. I wish people like Makali can do some research instead of making arguments like an unschooled person. In Australia the arguments of Broadcast are presented in a civilized manner. Please read the attached: Victor Maloi

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KCA Amendment Bill 2008
by evelyne＠kictanet.or.ke 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Dear All, This is to inform you that a stakeholders meeting convened by the Ministry of Information & Communication to discuss the KCA Amendment 2008 will take place tomorrow (15th Jan 2009) at the Lyco Regency Hotel from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Regards, Evelyne Ofwona KICTANet

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Re: [kictanet] A different perspective of looking at the problems caused by KC amendament act 08
by Barrack Otieno 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Problems *By Dr. John C. Maxwell* In the comic strip, Peanuts, a hapless Charlie Brown occasionally would be stalked by ominous rainclouds. Although the rest of the sky would shine bright and blue, poor Chuck would be stuck under a dark cloud, getting doused by its showers. While his friends and neighbors enjoyed the beauty of the day, a drenched Charlie Brown would be a scowling onlooker. The lingering raincloud seemed to suggest Charlie Brown's inability to break clear from his problems. A melancholy character, he was prone to fits of worry and self-doubt. He concocted problems where none existed and fretted about those which were real. While we do not have to contend with perpetual drizzle like Charlie Brown, many of us live under the gloomy shadow of self-induced rainclouds. When life's twists and turns work against us, we retreat into a rotten attitude or heap blame on our surroundings. By doing so, we neglect to deal with our problems and only add to our misery. The Five Truths Leaders Understand about Problems *1. They're unavoidable.* For the aspiring leader, problems may be the most faithful companions of all. The road to success is seldom paved smoothly, and is oftentimes under construction. Potholes and barricades abound. At every bend in the journey, a leader's vision must peer around obstacles and through formidable walls to foresee a positive future. Leaders who sidestep problems stunt their growth - they end up shallow and debilitated. The successful leader stares down problems and resourcefully addresses them. *2. Perspective on the problem, rather than the problem itself, determines success or failure.* We see problems, not as they are, but as we are. That's why attitude plays such a crucial role in separating those who lead from those who follow. Alfred Armand Montapert said, "The majority see the obstacles; the few see the objectives; history records the successes of the latter, while oblivion is the reward of the former." Leaders look at problems from a healthy, self-confident vantage point. *A Wrong Perspective* Problems are unsolvable Problems are permanent Problems are not normal Problems make us bitter Problems control us Problems stop us *A Right Perspective* Problems are solvable Problems will pass Problems are natural Problems make us better Problems challenge us Problems stretch us *3. There's a big difference between problem spotting and problem solving.* Anyone, even the fairly imperceptive, can identify problems, but few people have the initiative to tackle them. As novelist John Galsworthy observed, "Idealism increases in direct proportion to one's distance from the problem." As rule, don't voice complaint about a problem until you're 1) able to put forth a recommendation for solving it, and 2) willing to take an action to solve it. *4. The size of the person is more important than the size of the problem.* You can tell the caliber of a person by the amount of opposition it takes to discourage him or her. Joke writer Robert Orben says that he once saw an ad from an entertainer that read, "Lion tamer - wants tamer lion." Clearly, this performer wasn't looking for greatness but merely for something manageable. To lead at the highest level requires wrestling with problems seemingly beyond our ability to apprehend. *5. Problems, responded to correctly, can propel us forward.* Leaders are not discovered in the limelight; rather they are forged in the darkness under heat and pressure. Leaders gain respect on difficult terrain, after taking a few blows and being shaped by the problems they encounter. As a matter of fact, courage and valor go undetected until seen through the lens of adversity. On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:34 PM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Alice, > > I may not share your opinion the study notwithstanding. The creation of an > ICT ministry is important at this point in time because of the complexity of > the sector. After listening to our learned colleagues dissecting the KC > ammendment act of 2008 and reading an article in todays standard about the > media act where they are refering to the act as "Mchuzi-Mix" am of the > opinion that creating the ministry might be for greater national good > otherwise we might continue finding ourselves in tussles due to the dynamic > nature of the ICT industry. In as much us we are talking about convergence, > we shouldnt forget to ask ourselves what is this that is converging, in my > humble opinion this is where the problem begins, each sector needs to be > ,managed as a separate entity if we are to derive benefits from it > optimumly. The PS reminded us that there was no need to re-invent the wheel > if we had working systems in other countires that we might emulate, in the > same spirit could we get input from our friends in Uganda on whether the > model is serving them. The issue is not just about having a ministry but a > high level vehicle that deals solely with matters ICT. > Regards > On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:46 PM, alice <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: > >> I agree with David on some of the aspects here. >> >> We really don't need yet another ministry. Not for ICT. >> A study of Kenya's institutional structures and models for implementing >> the National ICT plan conducted by IDRC in 2005 found " evidence of >> significant role confusion" and a lack of overall coordinating mechanisms >> among ICT related public institutions in Kenya. >> >> So why not begin by addressing these challenges? more so within the >> context of the KC Amendment Act 2008. >> >> best >> alice >> >> P.S Views expressed are personal and not a reflection of any of the >> organisations/institutions I am affiliated with. >> >> >> Hi Waudo >>> Would you rather belong to the ministry of science and technology? >>> >>> I don't quite buy the idea that having a ministry is a panacea for >>> anything. I also don't quite get the rationale for this clamour for 'our' >>> ministry! Not with the many ict institutions, including ict board, already >>> in place. Actually, you guys can have the information and comm ministry. We >>> wud actually be happy to separate the laws. We in the media don't crave for >>> much govt. For us the lesser govt the better bkos it doesn't add any value >>> to our work nor do we depend on it. The framework for freedom of expression, >>> the FOl, is all we need. And that isn't forthcoming soon despite dr ndemo's >>> promises. >>> Give us that and kenya will be a beautifu and prosperous place witht good >>> govt. >>> My thoughts. >>> >>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> >>> >>> Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:38:46 To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby] >>> >>> >>> Talking of Uganda I have just learnt that they have a separate ICT >>> Ministry (headed by our good friend Mulira) and a completely separate >>> Ministry of Information and NATIONAL GUIDANCE to regulate >>> media/broadcast content etc. I still believe in the superiority of a >>> distinct ICT Ministry model . >>> Waudo >>> >>> On Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:01:09 +0300, "alice" <alice(a)apc.org> said: >>> >>> >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- < >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> >>>> /index.html >>>> >>>> ---------------------- >>>> >>>> Uganda consumers get ICT lobby >>>> By ESTHER NAKKAZI >>>> >>>> Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 >>>> >>>> Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the >>>> Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, >>>> substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and >>>> voice service providers. >>>> >>>> The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly >>>> address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service >>>> providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; >>>> overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock >>>> bottom prices through product promotions. >>>> >>>> The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; >>>> act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a >>>> platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set >>>> standards for service providers and also create an avenue for >>>> educating the public on consumer rights. >>>> >>>> "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the >>>> industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are >>>> giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they >>>> cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, >>>> chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. >>>> >>>> Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers >>>> but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality >>>> of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." >>>> >>>> The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, >>>> said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and >>>> balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to >>>> educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify >>>> quality of services offered." >>>> >>>> The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications >>>> Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. >>>> >>>> But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle >>>> consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service >>>> providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. >>>> >>>> The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, >>>> the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the >>>> Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby >>>> group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The >>>> Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of >>>> being docile. >>>> >>>> Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding >>>> as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of >>>> consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. >>>> >>>> "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society >>>> and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for >>>> concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred >>>> Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the >>>> UCC. >>>> >>>> However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, >>>> saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will >>>> be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. >>>> >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- < >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> >>>> /index.html >>>> >>>> __._,_ >>>> __,_._,___ >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> This message was sent to: emailsignet(a)mailcan.com >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emailsignet%40mailcan.… >>>> >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > ISSEN CONSULTING > Tel: > +254721325277 > +254726544442 > +254733206359 > www.issenconsult.com > http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility > as a free man. > Alan Paton, South Africa > -- Barrack O. Otieno ISSEN CONSULTING Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733206359 www.issenconsult.com http://projectdiscovery.or.ke To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility as a free man. Alan Paton, South Africa

2 1

[Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby]
by alice 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> /index.html ---------------------- Uganda consumers get ICT lobby By ESTHER NAKKAZI Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and voice service providers. The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock bottom prices through product promotions. The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set standards for service providers and also create an avenue for educating the public on consumer rights. "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify quality of services offered." The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of being docile. Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the UCC. However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> /index.html __._,_ __,_._,___

5 5

Fw: Kibaki signs Bill into law
by dmakali＠yahoo.com 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device -----Original Message----- From: dmakali(a)yahoo.com Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:04:41 To: Barrack Otieno<otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law Ndudu Barrack, The media is a basket of diverse characters and multiple interests trying to serve various demands placed on it by many publics. The situation is not helped by the fact that every1 assumes that the media should serve his or her interests however provincial. Or the assumption that there is one homogenous institution called media. To be candid, there are massive problems in the industry. But the proposed legislation is designed or will have the effect of strangling it rather than helping. To start with, I don't see the pt of applauding the things which are good in that law if that implies accepting or lessening on the gravity of the bad ones. Yet what I see on this ict list is just that -cheer readers excited by the ict provisions we have all been waiting for and a determination to gloss over or sweep aside the glaring omissions or shortcomings of the law. I find that myopic and selfish, vis-a-vis the greater public interest. The media must be understood too. Accusations of sensationalism may be valid but what else did the media have in its quest to be heard? Why were its proposals ignored? The last resort was to fight back against an unjust law using any and all means. And it was going to get worse had sense not prevailed. Now again you blame the victim and not the aggressor politician for attempting to polarise the nation. For me, this debate is polemical if you can't address objections we have raised with specific clauses. Dwelling on the good and uncontestable aspects of the bill is waste of ink. We don't have to educate the public about how the bill is good because, well, that is what it should be. But we have a duty to warn the public of an impending disaster. And why are some of you on this forum quick to lynch the media but molly coddling politicians who pay lip service to media freedom and yet go ahead to stab it? Who brought us to this pass? The same proposals they rejected with hubris before the passage of that bill are going to be taken in this time round. Why? That's something to ponder. It only takes silence or collusion such as ICT folks are engaged in to end up with tyranny. Let me conclude that its not true that the media did not make submissions to that bill. It did. And a committee was even set up to do so comprised of min officials. What became of their proposals? Let ndemo tell us. The truth is we would make proposals but the ministry was hell bent on driving thro its agenda so none of our views would be taken on board until the law was passed. Then we decided we were not going to take it. The moral is that no law should be shoved down anybody just because its govt. That era of govt fiat is gone. I admit we have quite a big house cleaning job as industry to do. But frankly, some of the claims being pinned on the media are baseless. The media can't be responsible for the failure of political leadership! Barrack, you ICT people will only begin to appeal to us on this side if you at least acknowledge the law is flawed in key ways, eg- sections 5, 46, and so on. I advice this forum to wait for our detailed amendment proposals on tuesday, and desist from vacuous charges of sensationalism against the media. What is at stake here is fundamental to our democracy and freedoms. David Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device -----Original Message----- From: "Barrack Otieno" <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:18:09 To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law Well Bwana Makali, As you may have realised media and ICT seem to be strange bedfellows even though we are together in the name of convergence the more reason this debate has taken this angle. Nonetheless i guess Bill has just laid on the table facts that might need to be considered by the media fraternity and i am happy you have read through his write up. We all know where this country has come from and we shouldnt continue talking about politicians nor comparing ourselves to them because we know what they are made of. As one of the leaders of the media fratenity it is important that you highlight the above mentioned issues to members of the fraternity because your house is not in order, it is unprofessional or shall we say unethical to attack personalities and institutions the way the media did in the past few days because of their opinions however much you would like to justify what you did, your acts only served to prove how media can polarise the Nation. Nonetheless the new act brings good tidings to the ICT sector despite the scare tactics being deployed i am yet to come across a balanced view of the act devoid of sensationalism from a member of the fourth estate other than the attacks being meted on personalities can we start with you Bwana Makali, where were you guys at the stakeholders negotiations to raise this issues as the PS asked? i bet this issues were there even then....What i am saying David is that the media needs to get its act together your house is not in order On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 1:12 AM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > What disadvantage to ICT, Gilda, is caused by lumping so called ICT with > broadcasting issues? That's hilarious. > As for Bill's pontification below, my verdict is that he should seek to > inform himself about media operations in kenya and elsewhere first before he > purports to educate others. Some of the views he espouses are extremely > pedestrian altho he wants to pass them off as truth. While I agree with the > need to curb media conentration and monopolies, his suggestions about daily > press being owned by the public or the masses are a bit misplaced. And the > points being raised by the media are not necessarily those of media owners. > Hello! Remove your blinkers and see facts for what they are. Your defence of > the president and minister reeks of the sycophancy of yore. Presidents and > ministers have to take responsibility for their actions or inaction, they > are not rubber stamps! > Ask yourself why we have media concentration now, and how come most > frequencies are held by politicians and or their cronies or allies. How did > michuki, midiwo, koigi, etc come to own frequencies? Isn't there a cck? > Don't you think it should be independent to avoid being bullied or be > shielded from political directives? > And to say the Act should be renamed ICT and not media doesn't amount to > much change. Moreover, let the law speak for itself, we don't need anyone to > explain its intentions or the meaning - least of all you! You are neither > its author or implementer. A good law should be explicit and unambiguous in > its meaning, not open to diff interpretation. Which is part of the problem > with the new Act. Be honest at least. Skewed logic and such other partisan > and ignorant views about the media and how it should investigate stories are > clearly outside this law. Don't give it imaginary power. True, training and > capacity of the media are issues worth discussing but not in this context. > That's dabbling in territory about which you can only speculate. Before you > lament, have you ever investigated a story or given a newspaper an > investigative lead? And to claim that the duty of a journalist is to report > the truth and publish regardless of the consequence is plainly naïve and > insensitive. > Before you go far, read sect 5 of the Bill. One would expect that since you > are reading the bill uncritically when the weaknesses of the bill are > pointed out you begin to appreciate the concerns raised and not remain > dogmatic in your belief that every criticism in malicious and govt is > infallible. No? > Let's engage in constructive arguments and not spread hate. You have much > to thank the media for than you know or can admit. > David > > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > -----Original Message----- > From: "Gilda Odera" <godera(a)skyweb.co.ke> > > Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:06:54 > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > > >_______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com > >_______________________________________________ > 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 ISSEN CONSULTING Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733206359 www.issenconsult.com http://projectdiscovery.or.ke To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility as a free man. Alan Paton, South Africa

8 8

Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch
by alice 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/01/08/Obama_team_seeks_delay_digital_1582.html Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch AFP AFP American Edition Jan 07, 2009 19:00 EST US president-elect Barack Obama's transition team has asked for a delay in the nation's scheduled switch to digital television next month, citing funding difficulties. The Obama transition team co-chair John Podesta has written to key US lawmakers asking for an extension to the February 17 legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date, according to copy of the letter made available to AFP. Obama will take over from President George Bush on January 20. Based on plans by the Bush administration, stations will cease their analog transmissions and broadcast only in digital form from February 17, requiring consumers who rely on over-the-air signals to install converter boxes. Consumers are to be provided with a 40-dollar coupon to defray the cost of the converter but Podesta said the program to distribute the coupons "has run out of funds." "During the transition, we have discovered major difficulties in the preparation for the February 17 conversion from analog to digital broadcasting," he said. "These weaknesses mean major problems for consumers." By early February projections suggested more than five million coupon requests would not be met, with the figure "increasing by hundreds of thousands every day," he said. In addition, the funds provided to support the conversion are "woefully inadequate," he said, pointing out that particularly low income, rural and elderly Americans would be hit. "With coupons unavailable, support and education insufficient, and the most vulnerable Americans exposed, I urge you to consider a change to the legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date," Podesta said in the letter to key legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives. The US Congress reportedly allocated 1.34 billion dollars to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to distribute converter box coupons. The switch to digital television will free up wireless airwaves for public safety agencies and other advanced mobile services. An auction of those analog airwaves raised 19 billion dollars for the government last year, according to the the Washington Post. Major American broadcasters have signaled that they support a delay. "Our first concern is what's best for our viewers, and we believe that the Obama-Biden Transition Team shares our concern," media giant News Corporation said in a statement Thursday. But the Consumer Electronics Association, an industry group, suggested keeping the February 17 transition date. It said converter boxes were available in sufficient supply and consumers were aware of and prepared for the transition, but added legitimate concerns about the coupon program should be addressed immediately. "If the goal is to avoid consumer confusion, keeping the February 17 transition date that is engrained in consumer minds is the best solution," said association president Gary Shapiro Source: http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/01/08/Obama_team_seeks_delay_digital_1582.html

1 0

Media To Snub Civil Society Congress Forum
by Bill Kagai 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

Makali, Do you speak for the entire Media fraternity when you say media stakeholders have decided not to participate in these public discussions which have no specific bearing?? I really do not see why Media should snub a civil society forum aimed at making Mwananchi understand experiences from the two sides of the divide. On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 7:37 AM, Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Makali: > > Thanks for the info. > > All: > > Kindly confirm the status of this event. I had extended invitations to > ke-users (consumers) and skunkworks (techie) lists and I would like to > update them, ASAP. > > Regards, > > Alex > > On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 7:01 AM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > Alex, thank you. > > No, I and as far as I can tell the other media stakeholders, decided not > to engage in these public discussions which have no specific bearing on the > objective of attaining a balanced law. As we confirmed at the kicc and > yestday's serena so called stakeholder meetings, they are choreographed to > bash the media and portray them as opposed to regulation, which is a grand > lie. > > We raised very specific objections about particular clauses we need > addressed but all the choruses going on are about the gud things in the law > that won't cure the identified defects. > > Our efforts are directed towards crafting the amendments, as directed, > which we will finish and hand over to wako today for onward processing and > transmission. Anything else is a distraction or futile academic posturing > because I doubt anybody is listening, least of all the media. > > Honestly. > > > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> > > > > Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:02:56 > > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > > Cc: kictanet<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby] > > > > > > Hello Makali, > > > > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 11:44 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Hi Waudo > >> Would you rather belong to the ministry of science and technology? > >> > >> I don't quite buy the idea that having a ministry is a panacea for > anything. I also don't quite get the rationale for this clamour for 'our' > ministry! Not with the many ict institutions, including ict board, already > in place. Actually, you guys can have the information and comm ministry. We > wud actually be happy to separate the laws. We in the media don't crave for > much govt. For us the lesser govt the better bkos it doesn't add any value > to our work nor do we depend on it. The framework for freedom of expression, > the FOl, is all we need. And that isn't forthcoming soon despite dr ndemo's > promises. > >> Give us that and kenya will be a beautifu and prosperous place witht > good govt. > >> My thoughts. > > > > Three reactions: > > > > 1. We are in agreement in regard to saving public taxes by avoiding > > creation of yet another ministry when 'convergence' has led into a > > networked communications environment. Fortunately, some of the media > > houses, for example NMG, would appear to have taken cognizance and > > taken steps toward it <http://www.nation.co.ke/editorialteam> > > > > 2. Whether broadcasters desire their "own" law, ministry, or > > grievances framework, we must 'converge' at some point because you > > deal with information and communicating it which needs regulation. An > > example is UK's ('CCK') on broadcasting content regulation > > <http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/broadtin> and BBC complaints > > handling <http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/handle.shtml> > > > > 3. Yesterday the Minister for Information and Communications repeated > > government's commitment to fast enact FOI. It was good to note the > > priority given given to this very important law that we do not have. > > Fundamentally, FOI law is for all people (not just the media) have > > access to information along the Universal Declaration of Human Rights > > <http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html> thus everyone enjoys their > > basic freedoms 'regardless of all frontiers.' Everyone is obligated to > > uphold UDHR ....We agree here! > > > > You will be at today's Civil Society Public Forum, won't you? > > > > regards, > > > > Alex > > > > (Sent from my wireless device;) > > > >> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > >> > >> -----Original Message----- > >> From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > >> > >> Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:38:46 > >> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT > lobby] > >> > >> > >> Talking of Uganda I have just learnt that they have a separate ICT > >> Ministry (headed by our good friend Mulira) and a completely separate > >> Ministry of Information and NATIONAL GUIDANCE to regulate > >> media/broadcast content etc. I still believe in the superiority of a > >> distinct ICT Ministry model . > >> Waudo > >> > >> On Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:01:09 +0300, "alice" <alice(a)apc.org> said: > >>> > >>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- > >>> <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> > >>> /index.html > >>> > >>> ---------------------- > >>> > >>> Uganda consumers get ICT lobby > >>> By ESTHER NAKKAZI > >>> > >>> Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 > >>> > >>> Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the > >>> Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, > >>> substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and > >>> voice service providers. > >>> > >>> The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly > >>> address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service > >>> providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; > >>> overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock > >>> bottom prices through product promotions. > >>> > >>> The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; > >>> act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a > >>> platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set > >>> standards for service providers and also create an avenue for > >>> educating the public on consumer rights. > >>> > >>> "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the > >>> industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are > >>> giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they > >>> cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, > >>> chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. > >>> > >>> Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers > >>> but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality > >>> of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." > >>> > >>> The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, > >>> said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and > >>> balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to > >>> educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify > >>> quality of services offered." > >>> > >>> The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications > >>> Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. > >>> > >>> But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle > >>> consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service > >>> providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. > >>> > >>> The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, > >>> the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the > >>> Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby > >>> group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The > >>> Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of > >>> being docile. > >>> > >>> Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding > >>> as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of > >>> consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. > >>> > >>> "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society > >>> and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for > >>> concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred > >>> Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the > >>> UCC. > >>> > >>> However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, > >>> saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will > >>> be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. > >>> > >>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- > >>> <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> > >>> /index.html > >

1 0

Comms ACT - What happens to KENIC?
by Michuki Mwangi 12 Jan '09

12 Jan '09

Hi all, According to the new communications ACT, it appears that going forward KENIC will have to acquire a license (from CCK) to continue managing the ccTLD. KENIC is established as a PPP of which CCK is a party to. 1) Is there any precedence where the regulator (CCK) is party to or legally seats on the board of licensee ?. Wouldnt this constitute to a conflict of interest on its end? if not then all is well. a) If this is the case, what impact would this have on the organizations governance structure, the ppp model and where KENIC is hosted. b) Worth taking note, with the model being recognized as a global best practice for ccTLDs, what message are we sending out to the rest of the world?. 2) With the introductions of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and IDN ccTLDs by ICANN, does that mean i now have an opportunity to apply for a license to run the .ke equivalent in arabic script? and use the same license to acquire the mandate from ICANN. 3) Section 88 - does it mean that anyone can also now go and apply for a license to operate second levels under ccTLDs. For instance are we ready to run a split registry where .go.ke is run by e-gov and .ac.ke is run by KENET etc; and others that maybe proposed (since its subject to license issuance) in the future. For argument sake 'i have an application for .bank.ke for the financial sector and the catch would be that i would provide DNNSEC which KENIC doesnt offer at the moment.' Do i qualify for a sub-registry license? IMHO, i hope such and issues that i have noted on the Certificate Authority sections are equally reviewed for the greater good. Best regards, Michuki.

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(no subject)
by Margaret Gichuki 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

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Mobinfo - Mobile Information
by Michael Wakahe 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

Check out the web and mobile directory service at this website: http://www.mobinfo.co.ke. Regards, Michael

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Civil Society Congress Forum on Kenya ICT Act
by Bill Kagai 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

Friends, You may wish to pen in to your diaries this interesting public forum that will be held at the Hilton on Tuesday, 13th January 2009. -Hilton Hotel, Tuesday, 13th January 2009, 2.00 - 5.00pm. -Keynote - Hon. Farah Maalim - Deputy Speaker. -Presentations - Mbugua Mureithi and Mildred Ngesa. -Discussants - Paul Muite, Ezekiel Mutua, Wahu Kaara, Linus Gitahi and our very own, Alex Gakuru. -Moderator - Haron Ndubi. -Convenor - National Civil Society Congress. Full details on today's, Sunday Standard, Pg.7. -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete S - 1°17'13.8" E - 36°48'22.7" www.mediacorp.co.ke ---

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Deadline January 18th for Citizen Media Outreach Projects
by Janet Feldman 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/blog/2008/12/23/rising-voices-seeks-mi… Application Deadline: January 18, 2009 Rising Voices (http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org) the outreach arm of Global Voices (http://globalvoicesonline.org) is now accepting project proposals for microgrant funding of up to $5,000 for new media outreach projects. Ideal applicants will present innovative and detailed proposals to teach citizen media techniques to communities that are poorly positioned to discover and take advantage of tools like blogging, video-blogging, and podcasting on their own. As the internet becomes more accessible to more people, including mobile phone users, the so-called digital divide seems to be narrowing. In its place, however, we see a participation gap in which the vast majority of blogs, podcasts, and online video are being produced in middle-class neighborhoods in major cities around the world. Rising Voices aims to help bring new voices from new communities and speaking new languages to the conversational web, by providing resources and funding to local groups reaching out to underrepresented communities in the developing world. Please visit our current list of grantees for project examples: http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/projects. The sky is the limit, but unfortunately funding is not. Rising Voices outreach grants will range from $2,000 to $5,000. Please be as thoughtful, specific, and realistic as possible when drafting your budgets. Successful projects will be prominently featured on Global Voices. Grantees are expected to host regular workshops to train participants how to start and maintain a weblog, upload and share digital photographs, and produce basic videos. Grantees are also required to post regular project evaluations and updates to the Rising Voices website. Completed applications will be accepted no later than Sunday, January 18. Please submit your completed application on the Rising Voices apply page: http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/apply/ Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below or by sending an email to outreach(a)globalvoicesonline.org. All the best, David Sasaki Rising Voices

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Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law
by David Aduda 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

Wainana, The media, and not only Media Owners Associations, but editors, journalists, TV and Radio anchors and producers, have always been ready for dialogue and honest one at that. We don't know your criteria for the so-called "well-thought out" memorandum, but we can assure that we had prepared many documents, which we presented to the minister, PS and PM. We will revisit them and prepare something and hopefully it will "well-though and devoid of propoganda". Aduda > ---------- > From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on behalf of Wainaina Mungai > Sent: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 10:52 PM > To: David Aduda > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > > The Presidential directive to Hon. Poghisio & Hon. Amos Wako has set > the pace for a new engagement strategy. Let's hope it brings to an end > the "drama queen" strategy used by media owners so far. > > The media owners will need to present well thought-out memoranda > devoid of propanganda. I hope they are ready to engage in the same way > as the ICT sector did. > > The proposals by media owners must be subjected to objective debate in > the longterm interests of the nation. > > Wainaina > > On 1/7/09, Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: > > It sounds like Tanzania has a very objective Media Council. > > > > They recognise that the law is abit too tough but they believe the > > Kenyan media brought it upon themselves when they failed to > > self-regulate. > > > > Through the one-sided campaign, it is clear that the media has no > > intention to implement true self-regulation. Individual media houses > > are now setting standards and walking away from the biased "group > > mind" approach to issues. > > > > Let's hope that Kenya's Media Council will learn from Tanzanians. > > > > Wainaina > > > > On 1/7/09, Jotham Kilimo Mwale <jokilimo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Hi All, > >> > >> Just came across this view of our Act from Media Council of Tanzania. > >> > >> http://www.dailynews.habarileo.co.tz/magazine/index.php?id=9330 > >> > >> Interesting. > >> > >> Regards, > >> > >> Jotham K. Mwale > >> > >> > >> --- On Tue, 1/6/09, Akich Kwach <kwach(a)archway-productions.com> wrote: > >> > >> From: Akich Kwach <kwach(a)archway-productions.com> > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > >> To: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com > >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 1:14 AM > >> > >> Hi All, > >> > >> I think it is time time we stopped blaiming our brother and sisters from > >> the > >> media. It is said that if you were in their shoes, you would be shouting > >> loudest > >> like them. I believe they have a point and I do agree with Dorcas > >> Muthoni, > >> the > >> style or approach by the media team might be the problem. As they seek > >> for > >> freedom, they have to be visionery. I am reminded of the wise advice by > >> Lyndon > >> Johnson, a former US president "You do not examine legislation in the > >> light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in the > >> light > >> of the wrongs it would do and the harms it would cause if improperly > >> administered." > >> > >> To set the records straight, I do support the signing of the Bill and the > >> rest > >> of the amendments can be lobbied for later. It is sad the Wanjikus, > >> Atienos > >> and > >> Moraas outside Nairobi would find it difficult to know the benefits the > >> new > >> law > >> carries because the same media that should have passed the message is > >> still > >> in a > >> "mourning period". How can we help spread the message? > >> > >> I look forward to the discussions as stated by Walu > >> > >> Akich Kwach > >> > >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barrack Otieno" > >> <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> > >> To: <kwach(a)archway-productions.com> > >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions"> > >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 10:29 PM > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > >> > >> > >> You have a point David, this convergence business is a bit confusing > >> to the waheshimiwa as well as a good number of Kenyans, i bet eighty > >> percent might no understand what is going on, Alex you seem to be > >> having some answers though your answers are too complicated :) > >> Let the debate continue > >> > >> On Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 9:14 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >>> Barrack, I don't see our pt of diff. Media are the first users of ict > >> and thea is no doubt ict is imptant in a modern ecoomy. But that's it. > >> So > >> is freedom of speech and access to information. > >>> And we don't have to compare media and ict. What I state and repeat is > >> the tendency by ict buffs to think only ict in isolation or see nothing > >> wrong > >> else with the aw as long as their concerns are taken care of, then say > >> dismissively that there are other iinstitutions to deal with their > >> legitimate > >> concerns or reason should prevail. Which? How come ict folks are not > >> raising > >> their voices on thoz issues they acknowledge media have except as btw or > >> in > >> a > >> back handed manner? Am very awake to the fact the country desperately > >> needed > >> to > >> kick up the ict sector with facilitative legislation. I have personally > >> suffered > >> from its lacking. But we can't gloss over fundamental issues out of that > >> desperation! > >>> China has all the ict you want but wat kind of society is it. You > >> can't enjoy ict in a repressive environment. And this country is in the > >> cusp > >> of potential tyranny midwifed by our unresolved political equations that > >> we > >> are > >> just about to begin to resolve. If any political axis should be handed > >> control > >> over the media, even with its weaknesses, you will rue the day you > >> dismissed > >> our > >> protestations. > >>> I have written too much and may be I feel too strongly about this but no > >> emotions. Straight shooting perhaps. > >>> David > >>> > >>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > >>> > >>> -----Original Message----- > >>> From: "Barrack Otieno" <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> > >>> > >>> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 20:36:51 > >>> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > >>> > >>> > >>> Bwana Makali, > >>> I think you are being sensational, lets try and get emotions out of > >>> this argument, for as long as i can remember media practioners have > >>> always rubbished the role of ICT in the countries socio-political > >>> landscape, i witnessed this behaviour in a forum sponsored by Unesco > >>> at the Grand Regency a couple of years ago which was apparently > >>> chaired by CEO's from leading media houses and i can see bwana makali > >>> repeating it on this list which is unaccepatble here even though we > >>> are democratic!!, give us a break sir. None the less may be we need > >>> our own ministry as Dr Siganga says to champion the ICT agenda and > >>> save us from this circus. The Media has a point and we all agree that > >>> there are contentious issues that need to be sorted out however let > >>> reason prevail, we have instituions in place to handle this kind of > >>> problems and they need to be put into use > >>> > >>> On Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 6:59 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >>>> The media's ref to the comm amendm bill 2008 (yuck!) as media or > >> ict bill is attributable to two factors. The media have a right and an > >> editorial > >> licence to abbreviate long and cumbersome names. Do you guys know how > >> difficult > >> it is to write headlines? Write one to test your editorial skills - 25 > >> letters > >> across 40cms and include all that communications bla bla!?> > >>>> Second, the media have a right to christen anything for ease of > >> reference. Why aren't you media phobes complaining about ndungu, waki, > >> kriegler or whatever other commissions that don't exist in fact and which > >> you have quite happily swallowed? wats wrong with the media or ict or > >> (next) > >> postal bill if it captures the essence of what is on the table or > >> disputed? > >> I > >> find it trite argument to insist that the media have misrepresented the > >> bill. If > >> there is nothing contestable about the others, or they are less > >> controversial or > >> for whatever reason they dim in significance, what is the big deal? > >>>> Finally, of course, some media could just have failed to see the > >> bigger picture and erroneously referred to it as media bill. In which > >> case > >> that > >> all fair in war and love. You can't moan till morning. > >>>> Let's face the facts. The law has bad provisions that only myopic > >> and selfish people or those with axes to grind the media can't see. > >> Unfortunately, it takes a very short time before the reality catches up > >> with > >> such people wen they find themselves on the receiving end. > >>>> Jog your memory. > >>>> David > >>>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > >>>> > >>>> -----Original Message----- > >>>> From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > >>>> > >>>> Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:35:00 > >>>> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > >>>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy > >> Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >>>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Thanks for noting the changing goal posts in terms of the title of > >> this > >>>> Law Alice. In fact a short while ago some referred to it as the > >> "ICT > >>>> Bill" before briefly reverting to Kenya Communications > >> (Amendment) Bill > >>>> 2008 and then finally resting at "Media Bill". For me I > >> think I > >>>> understand the reasons for this confusion, particularly for the > >> public: > >>>> this is a compound Law in one basket. The lesson I learn is that in > >>>> future we need to change some things otherwise it is possible to reach > >> a > >>>> stage where useful ICT Policy, Legislative and regulatory development > >>>> processes are held back by things that really have nothing to do with > >>>> ICT. What if the courier services who are now regulated by this Law > >> had > >>>> successfully opposed it? We would be missing e-transactions > >> legislation > >>>> simply because of a function that has nothing to do with ICT. > >>>> For starters, the Government should restructure so that we have an ICT > >>>> only Ministry like they have in India, Egypt, Mauritius and other > >>>> countries worth copying. For many years after independence we had a > >>>> Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. That Minstry should be > >> revived > >>>> to focus on the interests of our media brothers. > >>>> Right now it is very difficult to pin down what is "ICT" in > >> Kenya. Some > >>>> of the issues being brought under the umbrella of "ICT" are > >> those that > >>>> the real ICT people cannot contribute to. Some people are saying > >>>> everything is OK because of "convergence". But as can be > >> seen, even > >>>> trying to converge Laws is an issue unto itself. > >>>> > >>>> Waudo > >>>> On Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:47:32 +0300, "alice" > >> <alice(a)apc.org> said: > >>>>> I agree and for Pete's/Jane's sake could media drop the > >> "media bill" > >>>>> reference. It is the Kenya Communications (Amendment) bill 2008, > >> which > >>>>> covers much much more than broadcasting issues. and much more > >>>>> importantly it finally deals with issues of convergence from a > >>>>> technological, content, regulatory, as well as economic > >> perspective. it > >>>>> is important that the communications "sector" adapts to > >> this global > >>>>> convergence trend/scenario, because it will provide for expansion> > >> of > >>>>> universal access to ICTs, in terms of reducing costs while > >> stimulating > >>>>> economic and social growth. This can only be done through > >> appropriate > >>>>> ICT policy and regulatory mechanisms, which the bill provides for. > >>>>> > >>>>> What we should be focusing on are the challenges that will come > >> with > >>>>> this dynamic because adaption to convergence is not the end point. > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> best > >>>>> alice > >>>>> > >>>>> p.s. views are personal and not a reflection of any of the > >>>>> institutions/organisations I am affiliated with. > >>>>> > >>>>> > Great suggestions, > >>>>> > > >>>>> > I feel we can support the media but not in-toto. > >>>>> > > >>>>> > First, it would be nice of the MoA et. al. to let go of the > >> negative > >>>>> > "Media Bill" campaign and engage constructively > >> with other players. > >>>>> > > >>>>> > Secondly, media should consider calling ICT advocacy > >> personalities to > >>>>> > a forum where they can share how ICT issues have successfully > >> been > >>>>> > incorporated without the animosity that is common when > >> advocating for > >>>>> > media issues. > >>>>> > > >>>>> > I believe the media needs to feel secure that if their > >> arguments are > >>>>> > valid, they'll have our undivided support....issue by > >> issue. > >>>>> > > >>>>> > Wainaina > >>>>> > > >>>>> > On 1/4/09, Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >>>>> > > >>>>> >> The 4 fundamentals; > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> 1. When the Media fraternity suggested the bill be > >> rejected in-toto, >> ICT > >>>>> >> sector players felt this was akin to pouring the birth > >> water together >> with > >>>>> >> the baby. Personally I am happy the ICT issues did not go > >> down the >> drain. > >>>>> >> And I think that was what many of us were asking for. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> 2. The Media has genuine concerns as Haron Ndubi > >> articulated in his >> legal > >>>>> >> opinion on the probibity of the bill. However, the Media > >> completely >> blacked > >>>>> >> out ICT sector concerns during our campaign to have the > >> bill signed. >> We even > >>>>> >> went out of the way to show the remedies to the issues > >> through the > >>>>> >> miscelleneous amendment bill as suggested in the very > >> fast legal >> opinion > >>>>> >> whose author requested we keep his/her identity > >> anonymous. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> 3. ICT players and especially Kictanet ought to prove > >> it's the bigger >> wo/man > >>>>> >> by showing solidarity in the front-line with our cousins > >> in the Media > >>>>> >> looking for a way out of the quagmire. We do not have to > >> ignore them >> simply > >>>>> >> because they refused to side with us in our campaign. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> 4. We are extremely careless in handling crisis. If you > >> are familiar >> with > >>>>> >> Newton's method of factoring variable change and the > >> Monty Hall > >>>>> >> > >> Paradox<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_paradox>, > >>>>> >> then we can analyse the options the President had > >> mathematically. > >>>>> >> 4a) Sign Bill > >>>>> >> 4b) Don't Sign Bill > >>>>> >> 4c) Do nothing and hold Kenyans in suspense. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> Each option had a 33% probability of being the > >> 'right' decision. So, > >>>>> >> assuming he had not seen the bill earlier since he was > >> not the author >> and > >>>>> >> had decided not to sign the bill following the Media > >> owners petition, >> was it > >>>>> >> wise to change his decision from 'Don't Sign' > >> to 'Sign'?? > >>>>> >> Monty Hall > >> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_paradox> proves >> that > >>>>> >> changing the decision increases the probability of > >> getting it 'right' >> to > >>>>> >> 66.6%. And that is proven by the fact that we [in ICT] > >> feel content >> and > >>>>> >> support ways of also making our brothers in the media > >> achieve 'State >> of > >>>>> >> Nirvana'. This bill will also give the Minister of> > >> Finance some >> head-up > >>>>> >> before he dismisses innovations such as M-Pesa without > >> prior >> knowledge. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> Conclusion; > >>>>> >> For Makali, Openda, Kaikai and other leading Media > >> personalities who >> I know > >>>>> >> are on this list, why don't you invite ICT > >> stakeholders in to your >> media > >>>>> >> stations to engage Kenyans on what is good and what is > >> bad in the ICT >> [not > >>>>> >> Media] bill so that we can fight together against what we > >> feel is not >> good?? > >>>>> >> This has nothing to do with whether the grand coalition > >> will hold or >> not, > >>>>> >> since neither the Right Honourable nor His Excellency > >> drafted this >> bill. We > >>>>> >> did and the buck should stop with us!!! > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> -- > >>>>> >> Bildad Kagai > >>>>> >> MD - MediaCorp Limited > >>>>> >> Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor > >>>>> >> Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue > >>>>> >> P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 > >>>>> >> Nairobi, Kenya > >>>>> >> Tel. 254 20 272 8332 > >>>>> >> Fax. Rendered Obsolete > >>>>> >> S - 1°17'13.8" > >>>>> >> E - 36°48'22.7" > >>>>> >> www.mediacorp.co.ke > >>>>> >> --- > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 6:21 PM, alice > >> <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >>> Thank you Wainaina. Happy 2009. > >>>>> >>> Now that the bill has been signed, what does the ICT > >> industry think >>> about > >>>>> >>> this whole debate? especially those who have worked > >> for such a long >>> time > >>>>> >>> with government to introduce legislation for the > >> sector? > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>> best > >>>>> >>> alice > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>> Happy New Year for ICT development in Kenya. > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>>> We can now look at the Media's concerns on > >> the Kenya Communications > >>>>> >>>> Act and support whatever amendments may be > >> justified. > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>>> Wainaina > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>>_______________________________________________ > >>>>> >>> kictanet mailing list > >>>>> >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>>> >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>> This message was sent to: billkagai(a)gmail.com > >>>>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>>>> >>> > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/billkagai%40gmail.com > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>>> kictanet mailing list > >>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>>> > >>>>> This message was sent to: emailsignet(a)mailcan.com > >>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>>>> > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emailsignet%40mailcan.… > >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> kictanet mailing list > >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>> > >>>> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com > >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> 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 > >>> ISSEN CONSULTING > >>> Tel: > >>> +254721325277 > >>> +254726544442 > >>> +254733206359 > >>> www.issenconsult.com > >>> http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > >>> To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones > >>> responsibility as a free man. > >>> Alan Paton, South Africa> > >>> > >> > >> > >> > >> -- Barrack O. Otieno > >> ISSEN CONSULTING > >> Tel: > >> +254721325277 > >> +254726544442 > >> +254733206359 > >> www.issenconsult.com > >> http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > >> To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones > >> responsibility as a free man. > >> Alan Paton, South Africa > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: kwach(a)archway-productions.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kwach%40archway-produc… > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jokilimo%40yahoo.com > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > > -- > > Sent from my mobile device > > > > --- > > http://www.bungesms.com > > > > TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms > > > > KABISSA.org - > > http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network > > > > KAMPALA Workshop presentation - > > http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… > > > > -- > Sent from my mobile device > > --- > http://www.bungesms.com > > TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms > > KABISSA.org - http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network > > KAMPALA Workshop presentation - > http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: daduda(a)nation.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/daduda%40nation.co.ke > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://mobile.nation.co.ke to read news on your mobile phone.

8 9

Kibaki signs Bill into law
by Wainaina Mungai 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

Happy New Year for ICT development in Kenya. We can now look at the Media's concerns on the Kenya Communications Act and support whatever amendments may be justified. Wainaina -- Sent from my mobile device --- http://www.bungesms.com TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms KABISSA.org - http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network KAMPALA Workshop presentation - http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya…

17 34

Fwd: W3C Workshop on the Mobile Web, 1-2 April, Maputo
by alice 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

FYI: Please note deadlines.... January 12, 2009 - Deadline for abstract submission see others below. best alice ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE WORLD WIDE WEB CONSORTIUM Africa Perspective on the Role of Mobile Technologies in Fostering Social Development 1-2 April 2009, Maputo, Mozambique Hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of Mozambique ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: http://www.w3.org/2008/10/MW4D_WS/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ W3C WORKSHOP CALL FOR PARTICIPATION The W3C Workshop on the «Africa Perspective on the Role of Mobile Technologies in Fostering Social and Economic Development» aims to understand specific challenges of using mobile phones and Web technologies to deliver services to underprivileged populations of developing countries, and to capture the specificities of the African context. More specifically, workshop participants will discuss the barriers for potential content providers (NGO/ grassroots, government, entrepreneur, etc.) to develop and deploy services, and the barriers for the targeted population to access these services (issues around illiteracy, internationalization, accessibility, usability, etc.). TOPICS OF DISCUSSION The Web, and ICT in general, has been recognized as a great tool to potentially resolve the historical divides between developed and developing economies by providing an infrastructure to deploy minimal services (health, education, business, government, etc.) to rural communities and under-privileged populations. A new hope is coming with the very high penetration rate of mobile telephony in emerging economies. The challenges that the workshop will explore involve a coordinated approach from different fields, and different actors. Topics that might serve as appropriate discussion points for position papers include, but are not limited to: * Analysis of use-cases / real-world projects. * Challenges of integrating ICTs in rural communities. * Usability and Human-Computer Interfaces (HCI) challenges of mobile browser and mobile content. * Challenges and potential solutions against illiteracy. * Analysis on the way the mobile phones and/or the Web could improve people's lives in developing countries. * Comparison between different potential platforms to support ICT's deployment (mobile phones, low-cost laptop, telecenters, etc.). * Challenges of sustainability, scalability and replicability. * Challenges and opportunity of integrating mobile phones in specific domains: eGovernment projects (mGovernment), e-health projects, disaster management, etc. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Representatives from the following communities are encouraged to attend: * ICT for Development experts * Academics from developed and developing nations * Field practitioners and NGO/grassroots organizations * Local entrepreneurs with experience in ICT services * Usability, accessibility and Web experts * Mobile industry and digital divide experts REQIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION There is no participation fee and W3C membership is not required in order to participate in the workshop. Because of the space limitation and to ensure relevance of interests, each participant must submit a statement of interest before February 12, 2009. In addition, each participant wishing to have a paper published on the workshop Web site and/or wishing to make a presentation during the event must submit a position paper abstract no later than January 12, 2009. More details are available on the workshop page at: http://www.w3.org/2008/10/MW4D_WS/#Participation Authors will be notified of the decision of the Program Committee by January 25, 2009. All statement of interests, as well as selected papers will be made public before the workshop. IMPORTANT DATES * January 12, 2009 - Deadline for abstract submission * January 25, 2009 - Committee decisions and abstract selection * February 20, 2009 - Program released * March 10, 2009 - Deadline for full paper submissions * March 15, 2009 - End of sponsorship opportunity * March 20, 2009 - Deadline for registration * April 1-2, 2009 - Workshop WORKSHOP ORGANIZATION The workshop will be chaired by Stéphane Boyera (W3C,Chair of the Mobile Web for Social Development group)and George Sadowsky. The Program Committee currently hosts: * Ken Banks, Kiwanja.net * Anthony Bloome, Peace Corps * Philip Hoschka, W3C * Michael Maltese, Legatum Center * Gary Marsden, University of Cape Town * Americo Muchanga, University Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique * David Sawe, Government of Tanzania * Alice Wanjira Munya, Kenya ICT Action Network * Raul Zambrano, UNDP SPONSOR THIS WORKSHOP! This workshop offers a sponsorship program, as a marketing opportunity that enables sponsors to showcase their organization and to communicate to the community of participants, and to the industry at large, that their organization is a driving force within the mobile Web for social development community. There are three levels of sponsorship (Platinum/Gold/Silver) offering a wide range of benefits. For further information, please contact Stéphane Boyera (boyera(a)w3.org) and Marie-Claire Forgue (mcf(a)w3.org) before 15 March 2009. Note: this sponsorship program is designed to enable participation by individuals and organizations with particular expertise, but who might not otherwise be able to attend due to travel or other costs. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Re: [kictanet] Rwanda
by Barrack Otieno 08 Jan '09

08 Jan '09

Media issues aside, i read this article and i was wondering why cant we implement some of this ???? Electronic driving licences to be ready next month Monday, 5th January 2009 BY EDWIN MUSONI KIGALI - The Rwanda National Police (RNP) will start distributing new electronic driving licences next month to people who registered for them, the head of Traffic Police, Superintendent Robert Niyonshuti has said. The plastic license will have a built-in data bar that will contain all details of the holder. The process of registering for the electronic driving licenses commenced in the last quarter of 2008 and according to Niyonshuti, the police is now in the final stages of verifying the lists of the individuals who registered for the new licenses. Speaking to The New Times yesterday, Niyonshuti said: "registration for the licenses has ended and we are now finalising the process of verification of people put on the list to get them." Only those who owned old driving licenses were registered on the list to get the electronic ones. As a way of verification, police are checking details of the old licenses to see if they correspond with details in the police data base. Niyonshuti however added that there is a number of people who did not register for the new license because they had not got their new national identity cards. "We have considered those people as well, their registration is commencing mid this month and we request those who had not received the new IDs during the first exercise to come and register," said the traffic boss. Asked how Rwandans in the Diaspora would get their driving licences, Niyonshuti said that the National Steering Committee in charge of issuing the electronic identification is working in partnership with all Rwandan embassies abroad to ensure that every national in the Diaspora gets his or her document. "We will ensure that no Rwandan national misses or faces any hardship in getting the license," said Niyonshuti. The new state-of the-art driving licenses cost Rwf50, 000 and the government contracted the famous De La Rue, a British security printing, papermaking and cash handling Systems Company headquartered in Basingstoke Hampshire, to manufacture the cards. All the driving license categories in Rwanda will be required to be electronic and the new categories that did not exist before such as A1 and B1 for handicapped motorists will also be issued at the same technology and cost. Another new category is for D1 vehicles that carry over 30 passengers. http://www.newtimes .co.rw/index. php?issue= 13766&article= 12202<http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=13766&article=12202> Barrack O. Otieno ISSEN CONSULTING Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733206359 www.issenconsult.com http://projectdiscovery.or.ke To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility as a free man. Alan Paton, South Africa

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Re: [kictanet] FW: Nation Media Group sacks 100 journalists forsupporting Media Bill
by Marie-Anne Kinyanjui 08 Jan '09

08 Jan '09

Absolutely not true. -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+mkinyanjui=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of James Kagwe Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 4:29 PM To: Marie-Anne Kinyanjui Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] FW: Nation Media Group sacks 100 journalists forsupporting Media Bill Got this forward from someone..... Just wondering if this is true.... someone who might be aware Subject: FW: Nation Media Group sacks 100 journalists for supporting Media Bill In an unprecedented move aimed at gagging their own journalists, Nation Media Group has sacked 100 journalists for refusing to be used to demonstrate against the so called draconian media bill. Media owners have taken an uncompromising view of any journalist who voices a different opinion from that of media owners when it comes to the media act. Some journalists have said clearly that the media act does not contain any draconian clauses but journalists are being forced to write stories to support media owners who are scared that the legislation will weaken their power. Some of those fired include Nation News Editor Emman Omari, NTV Anchor Winnie Mukami, Coast Bureau Chief Edman Kwen.... Read full story here http://www.kenyanewsroom.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3 7&Itemid=1 <http://www.kenyanewsroom.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id= 37&Itemid=1> _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mkinyanjui(a)nation.co.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mkinyanjui%40nation .co.ke DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. �To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://mobile.nation.co.ke to read news on your mobile phone.�

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Digitally Networked Technology in Kenya's 2007-2008 Post-Election Crisis
by alice 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

<http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/publications/2008/Digitally_Networked_Technolo…> Digitally Networked Technology in Kenya's 2007-2008 Post-Election Crisis Abstract Written largely through the lens of rich nations, scholars have developed theories about how digital technology affects democracy. However, largely due to a paucity of evidence, these theories have excluded the experience of Sub-Saharan Africa, where meaningful access to digital tools is only beginning to emerge, but where the struggles between failed state and functioning democracy are profound. Using the lens of the 2007-2008 Kenyan Presidential Election Crisis, this case study illustrates how digitally networked technologies, specifically mobile phones and the Internet, were a catalyst to both predatory behavior such as ethnic-based mob violence and to civic behaviors such as citizen journalism and human rights campaigns. The paper concludes with the notion that while digital tools can help promote transparency and keep perpetrators from facing impunity, they can also increase the ease of promoting hate speech and ethnic divisions.

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ICT SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT TRAINING, 19TH - 21ST JANUARY 2009
by Marketing ICT 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

*Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) /IT Enabled Services (ITES) * *SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT (SLA) TRAINING * *19TH TO 21ST JANUARY 2009* Kenya ICT Board will facilitate a BPO/IT Enabled Services *Service Level Agreement training** course on 19th – 21st January 2009 from 8a.m. – 5.p.m*, *at Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi.* This course is designed to equip participants with detailed understanding of the issues that arise in the negotiation and delivery of SLAs for ICT and BPO services such as scope creep, resources stretch, time and expectations management. It encompasses skills for developing, managing and concluding contractual agreements for BPO/ICT related services, including but not limited to :- 1) BPO services 2) Call center services 3) Data/document management services, 4) Software development and/or animation 5) In-house agreements between departments, vendors, customers 6) IT Support and shared-services - 3rd Party ICT service-based contracts including hardware support and software support *Program * *Day 1:* · Designing a Sourcing Strategy · Designing Outsourcing Agreements *Day 2:* · Developing and Managing ICT Service and Service Level Agreements · Managing Outsourcing Agreements *Day 3:* · Main components of a Service Level Agreement · Success · Failure on completion, participants will be equipped with skills for:- · Developing outsourcing and sourcing strategies · Outsourcing procurement · Identifying and stating service requirements · Managing ICT service contracts Who should attend? · CEO's and CIO's · Head of Legal Departments · Business Development Directors and Managers · IT Directors · Risk Managers · Contract Director and Managers · Procurement and Purchasing Managers · Sales Directors and Managers The total cost is *$ 500( Ksh 40,000)* but Kenya ICT Board will subsidize the cost by 80% so that participants pay *Kshs. 8,000 only.* Please email events(a)ict.go.ke to book your space today and visit Kenya ICT Board, 12th Floor Teleposta Towers to make your payments. Deadline for registration: *12th January 2009**.* Limited availability. -- Marketing Department 12th Floor Teleposta Towers, Koinange Lane Entrance PO Box 27150 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: 020-8015254 / 020-2089061 Fax: 020-2211962

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ETR machines
by nancy bosire 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

Anyone know where i can get ERT Machines for between 15-20k? -- Sincerely yours, Nancy Bosire Managing Director Blueline Synergy Limited Tel: 020 2317230/29 Mobile: 0721907995 [email protected],[email protected] http://www.bluelinesynergy.com Domain Registration.Web Design & Hosting.Software Development.LAN/WAN setup.Maintenance.Projectors. New/Used PCs & Laptops.Computer Accessories.Office Stationary "Your consistent thoughts create your consistent results." "Whatever your mind expects and demands, it will find a way to produce it." - Napoleon Hill Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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Fwd: Beta Testers Needed for BCAT
by Judy Okite 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

Info For those in the pursuit for elearning. Kind Regards, ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Priti Rohra <priti.rohra(a)n-syst.com> Date: Jan 7, 2009 10:25 AM Subject: Beta Testers Needed for BCAT To: w3c-wai-ig(a)w3.org Hello All, Right to education is universal. Education has evolved from blackboard to keyboard. Elearning has broken the geographical barriers and made it possible for people to access knowledge with ease and convenience. Despite the benefits offered by Elearning, it is not possible for students with special needs to access Elearning courses. Students using assistive technologies can with little ease access HTML based elearning but are deprived of the rich learning experience provided by technologies such as Flash. The common myth that prevails is that 'Flash cannot be made accessible' Its time that we over come this myth and change the mind set to 'Flash can be made Accessible' Net Systems Informatics & BarrierBreak Technologies have taken the initiative to break this myth and have launched the Beta version of "BarrierBreak Course Authoring Tool (BCAT)". BCAT is designed and developed to assist teachers/authors in creating accessible Flash based Elearning courses. BCAT is an easy to use tool with in-built keyboard and screen reader support enabling students with disabilities to experience the power of Elearning! BCAT comprises of two main components, Course Authoring Tool based on Moodle Learning Management System and Flash Architecture to access the course contents. In addition, the teacher/author can add various accessibility options to the course such as: Alternate Text, Captions, and Transcripts. Once the course is published, the contents are generated in to XML and users can access the course using a Flash player. The Flash course thus created provides users with an "Accessibility Panel" to meet their needs: - Show/Hide Captions - Audio Transcript - Change Themes - Small/Large Icons - Show/Hide Labels - Change Text Size We invite users with disabilities, teachers/authors, accessibility community at large to access BCAT and provide their valuable feedback and suggestions to make BCAT a tool for inclusive education. To access Beta version of BCAT, visit: http://www.n-syst.com/lms/login/signup.php. Once you sign up, you will receive an email including further instructions. Along with the email, you will receive a ReadMe file, documentation for creating a course, documentation for using the course and bug report file. The Beta Test Run is open until 20th January 2009. All suggestions are highly appreciated and will help us to make BCAT more user-friendly and accessible for all. Thanks & Regards, Net Systems Informatics & BarrierBreak Technologies Team www.n-syst.com |www.barrierbreak.com |e-learning(a)n-syst.com<%7Ce-learning(a)n-syst.com> Thanks & Regards, Priti Rohra Accessibility Tester Net Systems Informatics (India) Pvt. Ltd. Web: www.n-syst.com|www.barrierbreak.com Blog: www.barrierbreak.com/blog Please don't print this email unless you really need to. This will preserve trees on our planet. -- "Each of us is great insofar as we perceive and act on the infinite possibilities which lie undiscovered and unrecognized about us." James Harvey Robinson

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[Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] East African Fibre]
by alice 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Happy new year African fibre folk! Haven't given up hope on the African fibre mapipedia. I found a basic map on an ITU presentation of some East African fibre links. Grateful if someone could validate or even expand on them. http://www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=10170216144600907258… Cheers.... Steve P.S. No doubt most have seen the France Telecom announcement of the ACE cable from Gabon to France. Have added it to the undersea cable map at http://manypossibilities.net/african-undersea-cables/ -- Steve Song http://manypossibilities.net _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa

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FW: Nation Media Group sacks 100 journalists for supporting Media Bill
by James Kagwe 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Got this forward from someone..... Just wondering if this is true.... someone who might be aware Subject: FW: Nation Media Group sacks 100 journalists for supporting Media Bill In an unprecedented move aimed at gagging their own journalists, Nation Media Group has sacked 100 journalists for refusing to be used to demonstrate against the so called draconian media bill. Media owners have taken an uncompromising view of any journalist who voices a different opinion from that of media owners when it comes to the media act. Some journalists have said clearly that the media act does not contain any draconian clauses but journalists are being forced to write stories to support media owners who are scared that the legislation will weaken their power. Some of those fired include Nation News Editor Emman Omari, NTV Anchor Winnie Mukami, Coast Bureau Chief Edman Kwen.... Read full story here http://www.kenyanewsroom.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3 7&Itemid=1 <http://www.kenyanewsroom.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id= 37&Itemid=1>

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Fw: RE: Kibaki signs Bill into law
by John Walubengo 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

looks like this response was burning and cant wait for next weeks discussion on the same. walu. --- On Tue, 1/6/09, Concerned Citizen <kenyacitizen(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: Concerned Citizen <kenyacitizen(a)gmail.com> > Subject: RE: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 11:24 AM > Please post this view on Kictanet. > > Four things are annoying this concerned citizen about this > debate. > > 1) The media has doen the country a dis-service by failing > to > highlight the good in this act. generally the media should > stop > chasing after the horse which has already bolted the > stable. The bill > is now an act. As far "media" concerns go - the > ONLY way to get rid of > offending emergency clause is to take the bill back to > parliament. > For the media to now paint the picture that the whole > fracas is the > fault of the executive is wrong. It was not the executive > that > approved this bill in various readings in parliament - it > was our MPs. > Why aren't we hearing more about that? > 2) Just who is the "media" we are talking about > here? Are the > interests of journalists who work on a daily basis being > represented > here? Personally I have not seen any notable JOURNALIST > supporters of > the bill complain about the bill. Could this be because > they know (as > a growing number of the public are coming to know)that this > is too > much ado about something that cannot now be changed? > 3) For Mr Makali to dismiss the concerns of the ICT > community on this > bill is short-sighted and arrogant. The ICT community has > been > campaigning for several clauses within the bill to be > passed for many > many years - its passing is major cause for celebration for > the entire > country as it creates new business opportunities that will > enrich OUR > economy. In my view, the good in this bill surpasses the > few negative > clauses that are being shoted about from every available > roof-top. > 4) As a member of the media I have never felt so cowed or > suppressed > in my life. My colleagues and I have been forced to accede > to this > "media" agenda without any consultation. > When the Media Bill (see how these ill-thought > abbreviations confuse > the public???) of last year was under debate, we happily > took to the > streets to fight for our press freedoms. > What is happening now is a travesty of our industry - what > was an > ordered campaign against unfair legislation is now becoming > a > witch-hunt where the power of the media is been used > negatively to > attack various structures. > Those who are shouting are risking the very same heavy > investments by > the media they seek to protect and reversing the gains its > taken > decades for this country to acheive which could now be > under a more > serious threat of misuse by a few individuals for personal > gain. > > There is no other industry that needs regulation as much as > the media right now. > > I think what the media should push for now - in the > public's interest > - is a review of the offending clauses by our non-tax > paying friends > in parliament and further, a review of the act itself which > attempts > to lump too many industries togther. > > The views I hold do not reresent the views of my employers > and are > purely personal in nature. > -----Original Message----- > On Behalf Of dmakali(a)yahoo.com > Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 9:15 PM > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > > Barrack, I don't see our pt of diff. Media are the > first users of ict > and thea is no doubt ict is imptant in a modern ecoomy. > But that's > it. So is freedom of speech and access to information. > And we don't have to compare media and ict. What I > state and repeat is > the tendency by ict buffs to think only ict in isolation or > see > nothing wrong else with the aw as long as their concerns > are taken > care of, then say dismissively that there are other > iinstitutions to > deal with their legitimate concerns or reason should > prevail. Which? > How come ict folks are not raising their voices on thoz > issues they > acknowledge media have except as btw or in a back handed > manner? Am > very awake to the fact the country desperately needed to > kick up the > ict sector with facilitative legislation. I have personally > suffered > from its lacking. But we can't gloss over fundamental > issues out of > that desperation! > China has all the ict you want but wat kind of society is > it. You > can't enjoy ict in a repressive environment. And this > country is in > the cusp of potential tyranny midwifed by our unresolved > political > equations that we are just about to begin to resolve. If > any political > axis should be handed control over the media, even with its > weaknesses, you will rue the day you dismissed our > protestations. > I have written too much and may be I feel too strongly > about this but > no emotions. Straight shooting perhaps. > David > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > -----Original Message----- > From: "Barrack Otieno" > <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> > > Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 20:36:51 > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > > > Bwana Makali, > I think you are being sensational, lets try and get > emotions out of > this argument, for as long as i can remember media > practioners have > always rubbished the role of ICT in the countries > socio-political > landscape, i witnessed this behaviour in a forum sponsored > by Unesco > at the Grand Regency a couple of years ago which was > apparently > chaired by CEO's from leading media houses and i can > see bwana makali > repeating it on this list which is unaccepatble here even > though we > are democratic!!, give us a break sir. None the less may be > we need > our own ministry as Dr Siganga says to champion the ICT > agenda and > save us from this circus. The Media has a point and we all > agree that > there are contentious issues that need to be sorted out > however let > reason prevail, we have instituions in place to handle this > kind of > problems and they need to be put into use > > On Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 6:59 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > wrote: > > The media's ref to the comm amendm bill 2008 > (yuck!) as media or ict bill is attributable to two factors. > The media have a right and an editorial licence to > abbreviate long and cumbersome names. Do you guys know how > difficult it is to write headlines? Write one to test your > editorial skills - 25 letters across 40cms and include all > that communications bla bla!? > > Second, the media have a right to christen anything > for ease of reference. Why aren't you media phobes > complaining about ndungu, waki, kriegler or whatever other > commissions that don't exist in fact and which you have > quite happily swallowed? wats wrong with the media or ict or > (next) postal bill if it captures the essence of what is on > the table or disputed? I find it trite argument to insist > that the media have misrepresented the bill. If there is > nothing contestable about the others, or they are less > controversial or for whatever reason they dim in > significance, what is the big deal? > > Finally, of course, some media could just have failed > to see the bigger picture and erroneously referred to it as > media bill. In which case that all fair in war and love. You > can't moan till morning. > > Let's face the facts. The law has bad provisions > that only myopic and selfish people or those with axes to > grind the media can't see. Unfortunately, it takes a > very short time before the reality catches up with such > people wen they find themselves on the receiving end. > > Jog your memory. > > David > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: "waudo siganga" > <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > > > > Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:35:00 > > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > > > > > > Thanks for noting the changing goal posts in terms of > the title of this > > Law Alice. In fact a short while ago some referred to > it as the "ICT > > Bill" before briefly reverting to Kenya > Communications (Amendment) Bill > > 2008 and then finally resting at "Media > Bill". For me I think I > > understand the reasons for this confusion, > particularly for the public: > > this is a compound Law in one basket. The lesson I > learn is that in > > future we need to change some things otherwise it is > possible to reach a > > stage where useful ICT Policy, Legislative and > regulatory development > > processes are held back by things that really have > nothing to do with > > ICT. What if the courier services who are now > regulated by this Law had > > successfully opposed it? We would be missing > e-transactions legislation > > simply because of a function that has nothing to do > with ICT. > > For starters, the Government should restructure so > that we have an ICT > > only Ministry like they have in India, Egypt, > Mauritius and other > > countries worth copying. For many years after > independence we had a > > Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. That Minstry > should be revived > > to focus on the interests of our media brothers. > > Right now it is very difficult to pin down what is > "ICT" in Kenya. Some > > of the issues being brought under the umbrella of > "ICT" are those that > > the real ICT people cannot contribute to. Some people > are saying > > everything is OK because of "convergence". > But as can be seen, even > > trying to converge Laws is an issue unto itself. > > > > Waudo > > On Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:47:32 +0300, "alice" > <alice(a)apc.org> said: > >> I agree and for Pete's/Jane's sake could > media drop the "media bill" > >> reference. It is the Kenya Communications > (Amendment) bill 2008, which > >> covers much much more than broadcasting issues. > and much more > >> importantly it finally deals with issues of > convergence from a > >> technological, content, regulatory, as well as > economic perspective. it > >> is important that the communications > "sector" adapts to this global > >> convergence trend/scenario, because it will > provide for expansion of > >> universal access to ICTs, in terms of reducing > costs while stimulating > >> economic and social growth. This can only be done > through appropriate > >> ICT policy and regulatory mechanisms, which the > bill provides for. > >> > >> What we should be focusing on are the challenges > that will come with > >> this dynamic because adaption to convergence is > not the end point. > >> > >> > >> > >> best > >> alice > >> > >> p.s. views are personal and not a reflection of > any of the > >> institutions/organisations I am affiliated with. > >> > >> > Great suggestions, > >> > > >> > I feel we can support the media but not > in-toto. > >> > > >> > First, it would be nice of the MoA et. al. to > let go of the negative > >> > "Media Bill" campaign and engage > constructively with other players. > >> > > >> > Secondly, media should consider calling ICT > advocacy personalities to > >> > a forum where they can share how ICT issues > have successfully been > >> > incorporated without the animosity that is > common when advocating for > >> > media issues. > >> > > >> > I believe the media needs to feel secure that > if their arguments are > >> > valid, they'll have our undivided > support....issue by issue. > >> > > >> > Wainaina > >> > > >> > On 1/4/09, Bill Kagai > <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> > > >> >> The 4 fundamentals; > >> >> > >> >> 1. When the Media fraternity suggested > the bill be rejected in-toto, ICT > >> >> sector players felt this was akin to > pouring the birth water together with > >> >> the baby. Personally I am happy the ICT > issues did not go down the drain. > >> >> And I think that was what many of us were > asking for. > >> >> > >> >> 2. The Media has genuine concerns as > Haron Ndubi articulated in his legal > >> >> opinion on the probibity of the bill. > However, the Media completely blacked > >> >> out ICT sector concerns during our > campaign to have the bill signed. We even > >> >> went out of the way to show the remedies > to the issues through the > >> >> miscelleneous amendment bill as suggested > in the very fast legal opinion > >> >> whose author requested we keep his/her > identity anonymous. > >> >> > >> >> 3. ICT players and especially Kictanet > ought to prove it's the bigger wo/man > >> >> by showing solidarity in the front-line > with our cousins in the Media > >> >> looking for a way out of the quagmire. We > do not have to ignore them simply > >> >> because they refused to side with us in > our campaign. > >> >> > >> >> 4. We are extremely careless in handling > crisis. If you are familiar with > >> >> Newton's method of factoring variable > change and the Monty Hall > >> >> > Paradox<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_paradox>, > >> >> then we can analyse the options the > President had mathematically. > >> >> 4a) Sign Bill > >> >> 4b) Don't Sign Bill > >> >> 4c) Do nothing and hold Kenyans in > suspense. > >> >> > >> >> Each option had a 33% probability of > being the 'right' decision. So, > >> >> assuming he had not seen the bill earlier > since he was not the author and > >> >> had decided not to sign the bill > following the Media owners petition, was it > >> >> wise to change his decision from > 'Don't Sign' to 'Sign'?? > >> >> Monty Hall > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_paradox> > proves that > >> >> changing the decision increases the > probability of getting it 'right' to > >> >> 66.6%. And that is proven by the fact > that we [in ICT] feel content and > >> >> support ways of also making our brothers > in the media achieve 'State of > >> >> Nirvana'. This bill will also give > the Minister of Finance some head-up > >> >> before he dismisses innovations such as > M-Pesa without prior knowledge. > >> >> > >> >> Conclusion; > >> >> For Makali, Openda, Kaikai and other > leading Media personalities who I know > >> >> are on this list, why don't you > invite ICT stakeholders in to your media > >> >> stations to engage Kenyans on what is > good and what is bad in the ICT [not > >> >> Media] bill so that we can fight together > against what we feel is not good?? > >> >> This has nothing to do with whether the > grand coalition will hold or not, > >> >> since neither the Right Honourable nor > His Excellency drafted this bill. We > >> >> did and the buck should stop with us!!! > >> >> > >> >> -- > >> >> Bildad Kagai > >> >> MD - MediaCorp Limited > >> >> Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised > Information Vendor > >> >> Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue > >> >> P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 > >> >> Nairobi, Kenya > >> >> Tel. 254 20 272 8332 > >> >> Fax. Rendered Obsolete > >> >> S - 1°17'13.8" > >> >> E - 36°48'22.7" > >> >> www.mediacorp.co.ke > >> >> --- > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 6:21 PM, alice > <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: > >> >> > >> >> > >> >>> Thank you Wainaina. Happy 2009. > >> >>> Now that the bill has been signed, > what does the ICT industry think about > >> >>> this whole debate? especially those > who have worked for such a long time > >> >>> with government to introduce > legislation for the sector? > >> >>> > >> >>> best > >> >>> alice > >> >>> > >> >>> Happy New Year for ICT development > in Kenya. > >> >>> > >> >>>> We can now look at the > Media's concerns on the Kenya Communications > >> >>>> Act and support whatever > amendments may be justified. > >> >>>> > >> >>>> Wainaina > >> >>>> > >> >>>> > >> >>>> > >> >>>> > >> >>> > >> > >>>_______________________________________________ > >> >>> kictanet mailing list > >> >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> >>> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> >>> > >> >>> This message was sent to: > billkagai(a)gmail.com > >> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> >>> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/billkagai%40gmail.com > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > >>_______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: emailsignet(a)mailcan.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emailsignet%40mailcan.… > > > >_______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com > >_______________________________________________ > > 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 > ISSEN CONSULTING > Tel: > +254721325277 > +254726544442 > +254733206359 > www.issenconsult.com > http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones > responsibility as a free man. > Alan Paton, South Africa > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet

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Fwd: [Ifip_ga] WG: Call for Papers | CENTERIS'2009 - Conference on Enterprise Information Systems
by waudo siganga 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

> Please consider contributing to and/or forwarding to the appropriate > groups and peers the following call for papers. > (please excuse us if you received this call more than once) > ------------- > > > ------------- CENTERIS’2009 | Call for Papers > ------------- Conference on ENTERprise Information Systems > > ------------- Ofir, Portugal, 07-09 October 2009 > > http://centeris.eiswatch.org > submission deadline (full paper): March 15, 2009 > optional submission of an abstract: January 15, 2009 > ------------- > > > Dear Sirs, > > It is our great pleasure to invite you to the CENTERIS’2009 - Conference > on ENTERprise Information Systems – aligning technology, organizations > and people, to be held in Ofir, Portugal, organized by the Polytechnic > Institute of Cávado and Ave and the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto > Douro. > > This is the place where, from 07 to 09 October 2009, under the leitmotiv > of Enterprise Information Systems, academics, scientists, IT/IS > professionals, managers and solution providers from all over the world > will have the opportunity to share experiences, bring new ideas, debate > issues, introduce the latest developments in the field. > > CENTERIS’2009 is an international conference that will address the > largely multidisciplinary field embraced by the Enterprise Information > Systems (EIS), from the social, organizational and technological > perspectives. > The 3-day conference follows an innovative format, previewing scientific > sessions, tutorial and technical sessions, and simultaneously exhibitions > by solutions providers and product presentations. > There will also be a social program that will enable participants to get > to know each other and informally exchange information, contacts and > experiences, discuss projects, and incubate partnerships. > > ------------- > ------------- Submission and Publications > > Submissions will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. > Only original contributions will be accepted. > > All accepted papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings Book > (full texts) with ISBN and on a CD-ROM to be distributed during the > conference. > > Authors of a selection of around 25 papers will be invited for enhancing > and extending their papers for inclusion in a book to be published by > IGI-Global, to be released by early 2010. Depending on the number of high > quality papers accepted, the Organization can consider the edition of two > books, instead of one. > > According to the Scientific Committee recommendations, authors of > selected papers will be invited to enhance the paper for publication in: > > - A Special Issue of the Information Resources Management Journal > (IRMJ); > - The International Journal of Enterprise Information Systems > (IJEIS); > - Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research > (JTAER); > - International Journal of Information Technologies and Systems > Approach (IJITSA); > - The emerging “Information and Communication Technologies for the > Advanced Enterprise: an international journal” (ICT'ae). > > At the end of this message you will find the composition of the Editorial > Board. > > ------------- > ------------- Hotel and travel arrangements > > The Conference will take place at AXIS OFIR Beach Resort Hotel in Ofir, > Esposende, Portugal, a 4-star Hotel located in one of the most beautiful > landscapes in the North of Portugal. The Atlantic coast of Esposende is > part of the Natural Park of the North Coast, a protected area of great > beauty. > Ofir is located in a wonderful historic and cultural region with three > locations/zones proclaimed as UNESCO cultural World Heritage within 100 > km: Historic Centre of Guimaraes (50Km), Historic Centre of Porto (40Km) > and Alto Douro Wine Region. > The Hotel Axis Ofir is located 35 km north of the Oporto International > Airport “Francisco Sa Carneiro”. It is connected by the highway A28. We > suggest getting a taxi which cost would be around 35 Euros (one way), > taking less than 30 min to the Hotel. > ------------- > > For more detailed information, please visit http://centeris.eiswatch.org > > We hope to see you in Ofir. > > Best wishes, > Manuela Cunha > Luís Amaral > João Varajão > > > ------------- General Chair > Maria Manuela Cruz-Cunha (mcunha(a)ipca.pt) > Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal > > ------------- Program Chair > Luís Amaral (amaral(a)dsi.uminho.pt) > University of Minho, Portugal > > ------------- Organization Chair > João Eduardo Varajão (jvarajao(a)utad.pt) > University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal > > ------------- Secretariat > Jacinta Martins > secretariat(a)centeris.eiswatch.org > > > ------------- > ------------- Editorial Board > (This list is not complete as the invitation process is still going on) > > Adamantios Koumpis, Research Programmes Division, ALTEC S.A, Grece > Adolfo Vanti, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Brasil > Albert Boonstra, University of Groningen, The Netherlands > Alberto Arroyo, Orienta, Spain > Alexandra Klen, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil > Álvaro Rocha, University Fernando Pessoa, Portugal > Ana Maria Fermoso Garcia, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain > Anca Draghici, Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania > Andréa Paiva, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil > Angappa Gunasekaran, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, USA > Antonio Guevara, University of Malaga, Spain > Antonio José Balloni, CTI, Brasil > António Trigo, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal > Aysin Rahimifard, Loughborough University, UK > Bart H.M. Gerritsen, TNO N. Org. for App. Scientific Research, The > Netherlands > Calin Gurau, GSCM – Montpellier Business School, France > Carlos Ferrás Sexto, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain > Carlos Machado-Santos, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto, Portugal > Carmen de Pablos, Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain > Carola Jones, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina > Carrillo Verdún, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain > Cesar Alexandre de Souza, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil > Chad Lin, Curtin University of Technology, Australia > Daniel Lübke, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany > Dimitrios Koufopoulos, Brunel University, UK > Dirk Schaefer, Georgia Institute of Technology Savannah, USA > Dirk Werth, Institut für Wirtschaftsinformatik, Germany > Dulce Domingos, University of Lisbon, Portugal > Duminda Wijesekera, George Mason University, USA > Edson Luiz Riccio, University of Sao Paulo, Brasil > Efrem Mallach, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, USA > Eitel Lauria, Marist College, USA > Enrique Paniagua Arís, Universidad de Murcia, Spain > Ercan Oztemel, Marmara University, Turkey > Esra Kurt Tekez, Sakarya University, Turkey > Fahd Alizai, Victoria University Australia, Australia > Filomena Lopes, Universidade Portucalense, Portugal > Gabor Hosszu, Budpest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary > George Ioannou, Athens Faculty of Economics and Business, Greece > George Leal Jamil, FUMEC/BH, Brasil > Giorgio Bruno, Politecnico di Torino, Italy > Goran Putnik, University of Minho, Portugal > Heiko Duin, BIBA Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH, > Germany > Henrique O’Neill, ISCTE, Portugal > Igor Perko, University of Maribor, Slovenia > llan Oshri, Rotterdam School of Management, The Netherlands > Isabel Ramos, University of Minho, Portugal > Ivanilde Eyng, UEPG/UNAM, Brasil > Jaideep Motwani, Grand Valley State University, USA > Jaime Munoz, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Mexico > Jens Eschenbächer, BIBA Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik, > Germany > Jerzy Kisielnicki, University of Warsaw, Poland > Joao Barroso, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal > Joao Varajao, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal > Jorge Marx Gómez, Oldenburg University, Germany > José Bulas Cruz, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal > José L. Caro, University of Malaga, Spain > José L. Leiva, University of Malaga, Spain > José Luis Mota Pereira, University of Minho, Portugal > Kam Hou Vat, University of Macau, Macau > Klara Antlova, Technical university of Liberec, Czech republic > Leonardo Soto, University of Guadalajara, Mexico > Leonel Santos, University of Minho, Portugal > Lorna Uden, Staffordshire University, UK > Luís Amaral, University of Minho, Portugal > Mahesh S. Raisinghani, Texas Woman's University, USA > Malihe Tabatabaie, University of York, UK > Manuel Filipe Santos, University of Minho, Portugal > Manuel Mora, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Mexico > Manuel Pérez Cota, Universidad de Vigo, Spain > Maria Argyropoulou, Brunel University, UK > Maria Manuela Cunha, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal > Marilisa Oliveira, UEPG/UNAM, Brazil > Marko Kolakovic, University of Zagreb, Croatia > Mayumi Hori, Hakuoh University, Japan > Michal Žemlicka, Charles University, Czech Republic > Mirjana Stojanovic, University of Belgrade, Serbia > Narciso Cerpa, University of Talca, Chile > Ovsei Gelman, CCADET-UNAM, Mexico > Özalp Vayvay, Faculty of Engineering Marmara University, Turkey > Ozden Ustun, Dumlupinar University, Turkey > Patrícia Gonçalves, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal > Paula Morais, Universidade Portucalense, Portugal > Paulo Tomé, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Portugal > Pedro Araújo, University of Beira Interior, Portugal > Pedro Campos, University of Porto, Portugal > Pedro Quelhas de Brito, University of Porto, Portugal > Pedro Ribeiro, University of Minho, Portugal > Pedro Soto Acosta, Universidad de Murcia, Spain > Polo, University of Sao Paulo, Brasil > Protogeros Nicolaos, University of Macedonia Economic and Social Scs., > Greece > Ramiro Gonçalves, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal > Ricardo Gonçalves, Uninova, Portugal > Ricardo Simoes, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal > Richard Burkhard, San Jose State University, USA > Rinaldo Michelini, PMAR Lab of the University of Genova, Italy > Roberto Razzoli, PMAR Lab of the University of Genova, Italy > Rui Dinis Sousa, University of Minho, Portugal > Rui Pedro Rijo, Politecnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal > Samo Bobek, University of Maribor, Slovenia > Sanja Vranes, The Mihajlo Pupin Institute, Serbia > Simona Sternad, University of Maribor, Slovenia > Snezana Pantelic, The Mihajlo Pupin Institute, Serbia > Subhasish Dasgupta, George Washington University, USA > Tahinakis Panayiotis, University of Macedonia Economic and Social Scs., > Greece > Valentina Janev, The Mihajlo Pupin Institute, Serbia > Vladanka Acimovic-Raspopovic, University of Belgrade, Serbia > Vitor Basto Fernandes, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal > Vítor Carvalho, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal > Vítor Santos, Microsoft, Portugal > Vladimír Modrák, Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia > Vojko Potocan, University of Maribor, Slovenia > Wai Ming Cheung, University of Bath, UK > > > >

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Employment Opportunity: Head of Policy, African Internet Service Providers Association
by Brian Longwe 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Job Description: Head of Policy Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the Head of Policy for AfrISPA secretariat is a new position and is yet to be filled. This is a full time employee position. He/She reports to the General Manager and with his support monitors, manages and evaluates AfrISPA's policy agenda. He/She plays a key role in developing the AfrISPA community by enhancing the policy function, expanding the scope and range of policy actions and providing focused and sustained engagement with policy-makers, regulators and key stakeholders at national, regional and continental level. Under the supervision of the General Manager, the Head of Policy is responsible for; - Raising the profile of AfrISPA as a significant influence on policy and regulation for the Internet in Africa - Working strategically with members of the Board, management and development teams to create, shape and disseminate the association's policy positions and key messages - Developing the association's policy function - Representing the association at a senior level, engaging with appropriate stakeholders to maintain the quality and relevance of our work and to increase the association's impact on the development of public policy - Leading the policy function, managing the policy team - Leading the development and delivery of policy projects to meet strategic objectives - Identifying and disseminating the implications for the Internet and Internet stakeholders of changes in government, AU and international policy and regulation - Maintaining an overview and identifying gaps and new areas for policywork and making appropriate recommendations to the senior management team - Managing projects to improve the evidence base of our policy positions - Providing other members of the team with appropriate briefings, papers and presentations - Providing policy input to the association's interdisciplinary projects - Writing policy content for the website and other communications activities - Contributing to the planning and management of annual work programmes - Seeking out, developing and managing opportunities for grant funding and commissioned work - Taking part in corporate communications activities, development and fundraising efforts as required Interested candidates should email their CV and full contacts to brian(a)afrispa.org *AfrISPA Policy Advocacy* The next phase of AfrISPA's work requires enhanced capacity on the policy and regulatory front. To this end the secretariat will be expanded to include a "Head of Policy" position. This role would design, organise and implement policy advocacy actions across the entire spectrum of issues that affect Internet markets in Africa. This will follow AfrISPA Policy Development Strategic Canvas as follows: Policy Development: Strategic Canvas - Provide industry perspective on policy as it relates to the Internet industry and act as an interface between government bodies and the wider public - Develop policies in the best interest of the members and protect and promote these interests in regional and international fora - Provide and promote educational opportunities that will enhance and empower technical and policy understanding of the Internet - Develop policies that will guide members into active participation in the development of a free and open telecommunications market in their respective markets - Mobilise ISPAs to deal with legal issues such as child pornography and cyber crime as a real threat to the growth of the Internet as a business tool and enabler - Encourage the development and use of local content, particularly e-Government and online news services - Value addition through assistance in setting up standards and guidelines for web development and promoting the setting up of server farms - Develop policies to protect Internet user's privacy and rights of freedom of expression. Comment constructively on draft Bills in African countries relating to these issues. Activities - Create a new position within the AfrISPA secretariat for a Head of Policy. - Identify key issues currently affecting Africa's Internet industry at national, regional and continental levels and design, develop and deliver suitable policy interventions. *About AfrISPA* The African Internet Services Providers Association, AfrISPA, is the Pan-African association of Internet Services Providers Associations of the countries in Africa. AfrISPA was founded in Johannesburg, South Africa in August 2001 when a gathering of ISP and ISPA representatives from various countries in Africa met to discuss and deliberate ways of addressing common issues and concerns that affect the growth and stability of the Internet in Africa. By engaging donors for funding and through the commitment of pioneer members AfrISPA has implemented a number of activities that include:- • Establishment of Internet Exchange Points: AfrISPA has directly and indirectly contributed to the establishment of IXPs in 22 countries. • Establishment of ISP Associations • High-level representations: AfrISPA has gained recognition as a key African institution that is passionate about the role of the Internet as a vital underpinning for national, regional and continental growth and development. On this basis, AfrISPA engages together in thought leadership, policy development and strategic planning through representation in various key local, regional and international fora. Key organisational affiliations include membership of the ITU through the ITU-D, a close working relationship with EuroISPA, involvement in the ICANN process, partnerships with various key African institutions such as AfriNIC, AfNOG, AfTLD, the ATU and platforms at key events. • Position Papers: A vital instrument in AfrISPA's advocacy activities is position papers that are developed around crucial issues that affect the development and growth of the Internet in the region. These have included areas such as: Infrastructure development, Content, Voice over IP, Spam and Regional Integration among others. In collaboration with others, AfrISPA has contributed towards the awareness and adoption of the Open Access framework for major communications infrastructure. It is worth noting that most of the currently ongoing submarine fibre optic projects as well as many of the terrestrial backbone projects have recognised the principles of Open Access and structured their funding and business models along those lines. • Regulatory reports: Regulatory regimes that provide an environment conducive to healthy growth of the ICT sector are essential for Africa's development. To this end, AfrISPA conducts periodic assessments of various countries' regulatory environments and provides these reports to members to facilitate local advocacy through benchmarking and to contribute towards smoother regulatory harmonisation across the region. These reports provide an important evidence base to justify local actions aimed at positive policy and regulatory reform. • Workshops and training: Capacity building is one of AfrISPA's primary objectives. AfrISPA is well positioned to identify needs in this area and respond through the development of appropriate materials which are delivered through workshops and training sessions. -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Freedom Next Time
by Gakuru Alex 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Recently posed to "ke-users" list:- > I find there exists several kinds of reality, e.g. "prepared" reality, > "imagined" reality, "forced" reality, "others' " reality, "real" > reality, etc. The question: which and whose, of them all, is the "one > true reality"? Advised by a member: Try getting hold of John Pilger's, the Australian journalist, book "Freedom Next Time" and you might get a very good idea of the "one true reality" on this unending conflict. Enjoy reviews: <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2006/jun/03/highereducation.news> <http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php/Freedom_Next_Time_by_John_Pil…> Happy New Year, Alex

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Undersea cable cut disrupts Mideast and India communications
by S.Murigi Muraya 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Happy New Year to KICTANET We need at least 5 undersea fiber optic cables connecting us (on different routes) to the rest of the world. Trust that our government requires cable companies to involve and educate Kenyan telecom engineers in the installation and repair of any cable Kenya.go.ke owns a part of. http://telecommagazine.com/newsglobe/print.asp?ID=AR_4670 *Undersea cable cut disrupts Mideast and India communications (Summarized)* by Kendrick Struthers-Watson Mon. December 22, 2008 A French cable ship, the CS Raymond Croze, has begun repairing two badly damaged cables in the Mediterranean that were severed on Friday, Dec. 19, disrupting Internet and telephone communications. Sources indicate the cables were cut within five minutes of each other, possibly by a trawler net. A robot submarine will locate the ends of the cables on the sea bed and bring them to the surface to be reconnected. This is not the first time there's been trouble along these cable routes. Last January, two of the three cables connecting Europe with Asia via the Middle East were cut. What is more pressing about the current situation is that all three cables were affected. Until these cables are fixed, service providers in the Middle East and South Asia must route their European traffic through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Despite the problems these cable cuts have caused, Alan Mauldin, Research Director for Telegeography, believes that new cable construction should help prevent future outages. "Many new cable systems are slated to enter service between Europe and Egypt in the next few years, including Telecom Egypt's TE North cable, Orascom's MENA system, FLAG's HAWK cable, the IMEWE consortium cable, and the EIG consortium cable," he said. Mauldin added that while constructing multiple cables does not guarantee against outages, the introduction of these new systems will provide additional routing options and improve resiliency.

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(no subject)
by Florence Etta 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

My dear, Allow me to wish you a 2009 full of joy, laughter & accomlplishments. As you review your 2008 and move in to a full embrace of the new year, may you acknowledge the gift of the new year, cherish the opportunities in the new year and live the experiences of the year to the full so as to make a difference in our world. May the good Lord bless you and yours in a really special way in 2009. Best wishes, Florence Etta New York

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Legal Opinion by Haron Ndubi
by Bill Kagai 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

* A LEGAL OPINION ON THE LEGISLATIVE PROBITY AND PROCEDURE FOR THE KENYA COMMUNICATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2008.* *For Kictanet through Mediacorp* *By Haron M Ndubi, Advocate* The Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill 2008 was introduced by the government through the minister for Information to parliament. The object of the new amendment is found primarily in both the preamble and the memorandum of Objects and Reason explaining the Bill. The preamble is herewith reproduced: * "….An ACT of Parliament to amend the Kenya Communications Act, 1998, to make minor amendments to the statute law, and for connected purposes"* The long title of the 1998 Act provides thus: *"….to facilitate the development of the information and communications sector (including broadcasting, multimedia, telecommunications and postal services) and electronic commerce*" Generally speaking and found in the memorandum of objects and reasons, the Bill proposes to and indeed does affect three major sectors. 1. Communications 2. E Commerce 3. Media and Broadcasting 4. Criminal and evidence law 5. (Possibly inadvertently, the Constitution of Kenya). The objects proposing to bring developments in technology within the law so as to provide for investments in technology and to acknowledge and deal with cybercrime can hardly be faulted. Actually this has been long in coming. However, one needs to look into the cause(s) of the public and loud disquiet that has characterized debate leading to the petitions to the President to refuse to sign the Bill and return it to parliament as provided for under section 46 of the Constitution. Simply put, that section of the constitution provides the procedure for making law. Once a Bill is introduced, it goes to the House committee responsible for the matters therein for consideration. At this time the Bill is not in the house yet. The committee may make such changes as it may deem fit then approve it for the house. Upon, the tabling of the Bill, parliament debates it and decides one way or the other. If the Bill is rejected in toto. Then it may not be reintroduced onto the floor of the house until the expiry of six months. If the House amends it then it may pass with the amendments. Then it may go through the various readings until it becomes a proposed law awaiting the signature of assent from the President. (It must be noted though, that the House recently passed a raft of amendments to the Standing orders. One such is the time lapse before re introduction of a rejected bill into the house. The new rules become operational in March 2009. The new procedures allow faster, if not immediate reintroduction of a rejected Bill.) Once a Bill has been passed, on the other hand, it will be presented to the President by the Speaker for his Assent. In event the President refuses to assent to the bill, he is expected to return the bill to the Speaker, within fourteen days of such refusal. He has to accompany the refused bill with a memorandum or reasons for the refusal. Parliament is expected to; within twenty one days reconsider the Bill in consideration of the President's objections. If the House is convinced, they will make the proposed amendments and return the same to the president who SHALL then sign it into law. In event that the parliament rejects the president's objections, the bill will be returned to the president who may sign it. If he declined to sign it automatically becomes law within fourteen days of such presentation to the President. That the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill 2008 was proposed singularly to amend the 1998 Act is in no doubt. Therefore, the opportunity to amend the obnoxious section 88 of the 1998 Act indeed lay before the house. However, we are told that the proposal to amend section 88 of the 1998 Act was rejected at the committee stage. It was therefore not debated by the house. The question that then emerges is this; can the President take the bill back to ask that Parliament reconsiders that section 88 for repeal? My answer is YES. He can. In doing so, the president will be dealing with another function that the Attorney General would have performed. That of advising that the section 88 would be unconstitutional. He didn't in 1998, he hasn't now. If the President assents to the Bill he will do so having failed to promote the deletion of section 88 in the 1998 Act, yet he will have protected the gains relating to ICT rather than broadcasting and other media. If he refused to assent, then the question is how long will it be before it becomes law? If the Parliament stays in recess until March as envisaged, then the president may withhold his decision on the Bill until parliament resumes. This is because time will be expected to run as soon as he advises the speaker of his rejection. Should he assent, it will not be said to automatically come into force immediately. The Bill contains provision for phased implementation of the law. The minister may appoint *effective* dates either for the whole law or diverse dates for various sections. This means that the concern on time on the part of Kictanet is not resolved by the mere passing of the Bill. But there are other reasons for which the media, some political leaders, civil society and others have sought the President's refusal to assent to the law. Broadly stated the issues are three fold. 1. The power on the minister to confiscate equipment 2. The power of the government to control and regulate content 3. The lack of independence of the Regulatory body. On 1 above we have the foregoing text has a response. Without going into the merits of the other two concerns, it needs to be acknowledged that they are legitimate questions but have the potential of hamstringing one sector in favour of another. On the issue of 2 above for instance, the regulator needs to be able to help the media and the public classify material and allow it to be available for the respective client without undermining the public good. Therefore, an argument for a free hand will be inimical to public good. That said, and related to 3 a regulatory authority must be legitimate and credible. Therefore representation and greater presence of the diverse sectors responsible is a valid and legitimate concern. The initial error may have occurred when the ICT investment and advancement issues were mixed up with telecommunications and broadcasting. But that is debatable by the experts in the respective areas. In conclusion,, I would opine for two options: A). The President should be requested to expedite the decision on the Bill either way B)The President should be requested to recall parliament earlier than March so as to deal with the outstanding business. This way, if he assents to the Bill, those members of parliament opposed to the Bill could use their privileged position to move amendment motions. c)The affected sectors opposed to the existence of section 88 of the 1998 Act can move to the constitutional court and seek the judicial declaration that the section is unconstitutional thus it be repealed. -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete S - 1°17'13.8" E - 36°48'22.7" www.mediacorp.co.ke ---

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ZAIN's Club 20 Tarrif Suspended!
by Edith Adera 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

It was surprising to learn that subscribers are receiving notification from ZAIN that the club 20 Tarrif has been suspended for 24th December and 31st December, for what is indicated as system upgrade!! Why the specific dates of 24th and 31st December? Is it to cash in on the xmas and new year calls? What does consumer protection rights dictate? Can we hear from the regulator? Edith

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Rising voices grants
by Rebecca Wanjiku 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

http://globalvoicesonline.org/2008/12/23/rising-voices-seeks-micro-grant-pr… Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/

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Happy Holidays (and a clarification)
by Gakuru Alex 20 Dec '08

20 Dec '08

Dear All, This is to wish you most joyful festivities adding to what you already wish yourself for happy holidays. And have a Healthy, Prosperous and clearer 2009. Alex Gakuru PS: I've received several off-list comments suggesting that I am "in-charge" of kictanet. Well,,, I am not. I have never been, in any way, involved in kictanet administrative affairs; organizational, physical, lists. Alice Munyua and Washington Odhiambo run then. <http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet> Please direct future inquiries to Alice / Washington. The ICT Consumers Association of Kenya, runs own consumer rights advocacy/interests mailing list. <http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers/> My engagement has strictly been for consumers. Sincerely, Alex

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A call for assistance in translating documents developed by W3C
by Judy Okite 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

We welcome your assistance translating documents developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). http://www.w3.org/WAI/translation In regards to the above request,I wanted to share info from one of the most interesting sessions that I attended at the recently concluded IGF. *Internet accessibility for persons with disabilities *The internet is about empowerment. Access to information and communication is a key aspect for participation in society. If people with disabilities are to exercise their rights actively, participate and make choices about their lives, it is essential that they can access information through adequate communication systems. For many people with disabilities, accessibility of Internet is a pre-requisite, a stepping stone for getting access to education, employment, health care, etc.. Persons with disability are primary stakeholders when It comes to the Internet development, thus should be fully Involved regarding the development of standards and the design of new communication and Information systems .What we all have to remember, is, in order to bridge the digital divide this group of persons must be included and empowered. - It is essential that all web content be accessible and understood by persons with sensory, physical or cognitive disabilities. - Websites need to be transformed to meet the accessibility standard - Information accessibility in remote areas and disadvantage groups should be given priority The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG),stipulates that all web content must be: - Perceivable - Operable - Understandable - Compatible ATAG (Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines) defines how authoring tools should help Web developers produce Web content that is accessible and conforms to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). ATAG also defines how to make authoring tools accessible so that people with disabilities can use them The authoring tool accessibility guidelines 2.0,will be published in December 2008 and its adoption, immediate, by all stake holders. For Access for persons with Disabilities to be on equal basis with others ,we need; Accessible Web Design  Promoting Accessibility and ICT on the web to minimize cost at early stage in design ,development, production and distribution  Promote Universal Design in Development of Standards & Guidelines  Promote Assistive Technologies in Research, Development, Availability and Affordability  Provide Accessible Information about New Technologies and Support Services Best Practices for Government should include and not limited to;  Mainstreaming Disability Issues for sustainable development  Supporting Cross-Disability Stakeholder Engagement  Promoting Accessible Web Sites & Documents Resource  Free online information www.tiresias.org/publications/ disabilities_standardisation/ index.htm Closing remarks from the chair; There is a great need to have international and national legal instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the rights of People with Disabilities to promote accessibility for persons with disabilities This is a very personal and emotional remark, but we cannot allow isolation of a part of the population due to lack of appropriate functionality that prevents the use of ICT resources by everybody to the fullest possible degree. Links with further information and initiatives: http://www.icdri.org/ http://www.w3.org/WAI/gettingstarted/Overview.html http://www.itu.int/themes/accessibility/dc/ Food for thought: *Is your website accessible, understandable and perceivable by everyone? *Kind Regards, -- "Each of us is great insofar as we perceive and act on the infinite possibilities which lie undiscovered and unrecognized about us." James Harvey Robinson

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Google vs Transparency
by Judy Okite 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

I love this!! Find the reading on the link,below http://news.cnet.com/surveillance-state/?authorId=9750511 Kind Regards, -- "Each of us is great insofar as we perceive and act on the infinite possibilities which lie undiscovered and unrecognized about us." James Harvey Robinson

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Comments on Bill Posted Online
by Edith Adera 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

Dr Ndemo, Thanks for posting excerpts of the bill online (sections 46 and 88). We should actually have the FULL version of the bill (as presented to parliament) available online, although this would be accessible to the privileged with Internet access how about the masses? What happened to “our right to know”? I’ve carefully read through these sections of the bill and have some comments: 1. Apart from the gender Insensitivity of this clause “46Q b) that person provides broadcasting services in an area for which HE is not licensed to broadcast;”, I’ve some substantive comments here below: 2. Section “46K The Minister may, in consultation with the Commission, make regulations generally with respect to all broadcasting services and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, with respect to- (c) mandating the carriage of content, in keeping with public interest obligations, across licensed broadcasting services; (d) prescribing anything that may be prescribed under this Part. Comment: I worry about the unspecified powers to prescribe content and “anything that may be prescribed” by the Minister – given our past, what are the implications?. who makes regulation? Minister or Regulator? 3. section “46H (1) The Commission shall have the power to set standards for the manner, time, and type of programmes to be broadcast by licensees under this Act.” Comment – might this limit creativity and public opinion type programming that allows free speech? I’ve concerns about this section below: 4. Section “88.(1) On the declaration of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety and tranquility, the Minister for the time being responsible for Internal Security may, by order in writing, direct any officer duly authorized in that behalf, to take temporary possession of any telecommunication apparatus or any radio communication station or apparatus within Kenya, and – (b) in the case of telecommunication, that any communication within Kenya from any person or class of persons relating to any particular subject shall be intercepted and disclosed to such person as may be specified in the direction; (c) in the case of postal services, that any postal article or class or description or postal article in the course of transmission by post within Kenya shall be intercepted or detained or shall be delivered to any officer mentioned in the order or shall be disposed of in such manner as the Minister may direct.” Comment: what constitutes “interest of public safety and tranquillity” – this is subject to abuse and personal discretion. It worries me that free speech could be limited and privacy preached on any subject – e.g. complaining about high fuel costs, food crisis, impunity etc etc. I do not know about you, but the last ban on live coverage created a sense of personal insecurity, isolation and denied persons their “right to know” and the subsequent threats of prosecution did not make things any better. What are the chances of abuse in this clause? Lets remember that these laws will not only serve today but future generations with different leaders. Edith

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SEASONS GREETINGS!
by nancy bosire 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

Dear Customers, Clients & Prospective Clients/Customer, *and a prosperous 2009!* Looking forward to doing more business with you! >From the staff and management of Blueline Synergy Limited Nancy Bosire *Managing Director* Blueline Synergy Limited 1st Floor, New Rehema Hse, Rhapta Road, Westlands Tel: 020 2317230/29 Mobile: 0721907995 [email protected],[email protected] http://www.bluelinesynergy.com Domain Registration.Web Design & Hosting.Software Development.LAN/WAN setup.Maintenance.Projectors.New/Used PCs & Laptops.Computer Accessories.Office Stationary "Your consistent thoughts create your consistent results." " It's difficult balancing optimism & realism, intuision & planning, faith & fact. But that's what it takes to be effective as a navigating leader."

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