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Kenya’s Banks ask for regulation on Mobile Money Transfers
by alice 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

(From Balancing Act) Kenya’s Banks ask for regulation on Mobile Money Transfers The banking fraternity is crying foul over what it described as unfair and increasing competition from money transfer operators. The industry says the operators are enjoying privileges similar to those extended to deposit taking institutions despite not being covered by the same regulatory regime. "Currently, there is no legal framework within which these entities provide their services despite behaving like current account institutions," says John Wanyela, executive director of the Kenya Bankers Association. "If these operators want to join the financial sector, they have to be properly licensed." The bankers are calling on the government to subject the services to prudential regulations "for robust and secure movement of funds across the economy." Under the proposed guideline, the services will have to be supervised by a specialised financial regulatory authority that will oversee their financial soundness and stability. Currently, the two leading mobile phone service providers - Zain and Safaricom - are offering money-transfer services in the country under Sokotele and M-Pesa brands respectively. Like other deposit takers, the bankers association wants the mobile cash transfer operators restricted on how much deposits they can take. To avert undue competition with the banking fraternity, Wanyela says, M-Pesa and Sokotele services have to meet the capitalisation requirement as stipulated in the Banking Act. According to the Act, a deposit taking institution should maintain a minimum capitalisation of Ksh250 million ($3.5 million). This is however expected to double come December next year before hitting Ksh1 billion ($14.2 million) by 2010 after capitalisation requirements were amended in this financial year's budget. The bankers also say the "digital money" has implications for the conduct of monetary policy by the Central Bank of Kenya. To control inflation levels in the country, CBK continuously monitors the amount of money in circulation, mainly in the hands of people and commercial banks. With the monies in circulation, CBK is in a position to maintain a reserve money target and, therefore, intervene to control inflation. Observers say it is this huge amount of money circulating electronically that has defeated CBK in the fight against inflation. Wanyela says it is time the government stepped in to ensure M-Pesa and Sokotele services are regulated before "something goes wrong." Debate has been rife on who should regulate the mobile phone money transfer operators, with some arguing that the CBK should be party to the issuance of guidelines as "part of M-Pesa and Sokotele services fall under the national payments system." Fundamentally, the two mobile operations are guided by the Communications Commission of Kenya. Early last month, CBK said it had no intention of bringing the mobile cash transfer services under the Banking Act. It claimed that treating the money transfer services under the Act may impede competition in sector that is still at its infancy in a country whose majority population has limited access to financial services. Safaricom statistics show that as at the end of the first quarter of this year, more than Ksh3.1 billion ($44.2 million) had been transferred. From its launch in March 2007 till May this year, the service has facilitated the transfer of more than Ksh23.77 billion ($339.5 million). (Source: The East African) For further information on mobile payments in Africa purchase Balancing Act’s report “M-Money - Finances, Banking and Payments through mobile phones”

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ICANN Posts Draft Implementation Plan for the Add Grace Period (AGP) Limits Policy
by alice 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-20oct08-en.htm ICANN Posts Draft Implementation Plan for the Add Grace Period (AGP) Limits Policy ICANN is today opening a public comment period on the draft implementation plan for the AGP Limits Policy. http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/agp-draft-20oct08-en.html This recently approved consensus policy is intended to limit the behavior known as domain tasting through modifications to the AGP. The Policy will affect gTLD Operators (hereinafter referred to as "Operators") and ICANN-accredited registrars (hereinafter referred to as "Registrars") and become effective following appropriate comment and notice periods on the implementation plan. On 26 June 2008, at its meeting in Paris, the ICANN Board resolved http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-26jun08.htm#_Toc76113173 to adopt the GNSO recommendation on domain tasting. Following implementation of the Policy, Operators will be prohibited from making refunds of registration fees to Registrars for AGP deletes that exceed the threshold limits set by the Policy unless an exemption has been granted by an Operator. The limits defined by the Policy are (i) 10% of that Registrar's net new registrations ( calculated as the total number of net adds of one-year through ten-year registrations as defined in Operator Agreements) in that month, or (ii) fifty (50) domain names, whichever is greater. The draft implementation plan details how this Policy will be implemented. Comments on the proposed AGP Limits Policy implementation may be submitted to agp-limits-policy(a)icann.org and will be considered until 20 November 2008 23:59 UTC. Comments may be viewed at http://forum.icann.org/lists/agp-limits-policy/. Glen de Saint Géry GNSO Secretariat gnso.secretariat(a)gnso.icann.org http://gnso.icann.org _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Re: [kictanet] What should the Investment Policy Be?
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

Walu, That was actually PS Ndemo's proposal in 2007 and it appears to have been part of the proposed ICT bill. It was: What we are saying is that a foreign investor needs time to (get to) know whom he can work with," Ndemo says. "In three years he can do a private placement or in five years do an IPO (initial public offering) or introduce employee option plans, but they must give 30 per cent to locals." It is good that PS Ndemo is sharing details about the foreign investors and what they actually said, contrary to what was reported about the companies not wanting to partner with Kenyans. Lost in this debate is the wide scope of the ICT sector. Some businesses such as BPOs don't tend to be capital intensive projects requiring upwards of greater than US$5 million. BPOs bring in inflows and foreign exchange earnings into the country. The same case with manufacturing through exports even though those tend to be capital intensive. I will return to these two points shortly in regards to the application of FDI policies. Lets visit some of the points raised by PS Ndemo. I believe we are getting closer to tackling some of the real causes of these problems or obstacles. 1. The case where a foreign investor is tied to non-performing locals in Telecom operator licensing more so those conducted through public procurement procedures: The problem can be easily solved by CCK amending its tender specific rules or the law as applicable to: a) Keep the current provision of not changing the nature of the consortium prior to the announcement of the tender outcome. This is to prevent manipulation of the evaluation process by the lead applicant or technical operator who may defect to other consortia in the middle of evaluations after private or political lobbying. b) Change the current provision addressing the post tender results to allow the removal of any equity participant without consequence to the licence when the regulator has satisfied itself that there is a valid case of a failure to contribute capital to meet licence fee requirements. The poison pill however should be that the removal of the technical partner should certainly be fatal to the ability of the consortium to roll out. The lead applicant if its not the technical operator should only be replaced under extreme circumstances. These provisions however should not be abused to engage in unrelated shareholder battles other than those involving the ability to contribute to licence fee payments. c) Allow a consortium to take on additional investors after the tender results and before roll out of the licence following approval by the regulator in cases where the regulator is satisfied that capital constraints are a hindrance to paying for the licence or roll out. d) If all else fails, allow Government intervention as outlined by the PS in early 2007 (can be improved on) except where the technical partner/foreign investor is the cause of the failure through application by the investor to the Government. Other options include the Government taking an equity stake in trust to prevent the collapse of the investment where all else has failed and the investor is short on capital to cover the local component. This would prevent the failures of Reliance and Vtel as the PS mentions. 2. Reform and strengthen the regulator as an institution with a very strong emphasis on financial due diligence during public procurement tenders. Remove any and all loopholes in existing procedures to restore and enhance bidder confidence in the process. In this and other regards the Global Communication and Information Technology Policy Division of the World Bank could be approached to play a key advisory role based on its expertise: http://www.worldbank.org/ict/policy Noted above were references to BPO's and manufacturers. The growth of which has somewhat stagnated if not yet to take off (manufacturing). Given the ICT board's recent initiatives regarding BPOs, shouldn't we give local operators a chance to harness these new opportunities? The use of blanket policy without specificity should be avoided if possible. Take for instance the following varying characteristics of a telecom operator, a BPO and a manufacturing facility: a) The BPO and Manufacturer export goods and services while a Telecom operator more often than not will serve a domestic market solely. b) Telecom projects build significant infrastructure as do Manufacturers. c) All three without exception create local jobs. d) Out of the 3, BPOs and Manufacturing are budding if not yet to bud industries in Kenya. e) Manufacturers and BPOs can primarily be located in EPZs. The policies PS Ndemo referred to were announced in conjunction with the intention to licence a 5th mobile operator within the next 18 months. One might as well have assumed the policy adjustments were being made for a 100% foreign owned operator to enter the mobile telephony market. In which case one would be justified as was the case, to ask who the foreigners were and if they indeed demanded these adjustments to suit their business ambitions including the pre-planning of an upcoming tender. Now that more has been revealed, it is apparent that some exemptions from policy are needed rather than blanket rules and regulations. Below are some additional suggestions: a) Temporarily lift the local component requirement for the first X number of manufacturers to set up shop in the country. However provide additional incentives for including local components both in shareholding and the manufacturing process. Local equity participants need not provide cash as they could provide capital inputs such as land and physical facilities. The government could give free land as an incentive if the manufacturing facility was set up in areas targetted for development for instance. b) Evaluate BPO requests for exemption on a case by case basis after demonstration that the local equity component could not be filled (See PS Ndemo's 2007 proposal as a starting point). A blanket, inflexible policy could have the potential effects of foreign BPO's fleeing from rising costs elsewhere to potentially upstage the efforts of indigenous BPOs as well as the ICT board. This should not be misread to mean that competition is unwelcome. c) Make no changes as pertains to Telco's except as suggested above for tendering procedures. Adopt something similar to PS Ndemo's original suggestion. d) Seek the World Bank's advice as suggested above. This does not mean succumbing to arm twisting rather it means drawing upon the World Bank's experience and expertise in an area where it has advised several Governments facing similar matters: http://www.worldbank.org/ict/policy All in all there should be some key incentives granted for investors who voluntarily include locals in entity equity participation. Peterson On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:59:27 +0000 John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >Plse lets hear more opinions on this issue. I heard one opinion >that in the vent local investors are unable to raise funding, we >could allow the foreing investor get in at 100% ownership on >condition that they offload 20% to local investors within 3- >5years. Is this workable? > >Yet another opinion was that local investors do have the funds - >its just NOT structured i.e. well consolidated and cordinated. I >think this may also be true if the recent Safaricom IPO is >anything to go by. So it looks like we do have the funds for ICT >investments while at the same time we dont! Where is the catch, >bottleneck? How could this be resolved? > >walu. >--- On Fri, 10/17/08, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >wrote: > >> From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >> Subject: What should the Investment Policy Be? >> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >> Cc: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke, "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" ><kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Date: Friday, October 17, 2008, 11:22 AM >> Dear Listers, >> A number of you have written to me off-list seeking to know >> the >> organizations that have sought excemption from the 20% >> local equity >> partcipation. >> >> These are four of the World's largets call centers and >> two ICT equipment >> manufacturers. They have said very clearly that they do >> not want to go >> through what some of the investors in telecoms sector went >> through or are >> going through. By this they mean local >> "Investors" who fail to raise >> their part of the bargain. We failed thrice to get the SNO >> simply because >> our local investors could not live up to their promises >> (Vtel, Reliance >> etc). This is an annormally in the current policy that >> does not allow the >> investor to seek for another local investor in the event of >> a disagreement >> in the first marriage (Do not read Econet since law is >> never applied >> retrospectively). >> >> Any progressive policy would give a chance to other people >> instead of >> forcing investors to stay in a marriage that does not bear >> fruit. You >> recall in past meeting we have called for such investments >> to seek for >> partnership at the stock exchange. This would mean then >> that the current >> policy is changed to allow that in the event there is a >> disagreement, the >> foreign investor can seek for a nother partner or better go >> to the stock >> market. >> >> My responsibility among others is to ensure that we achieve >> vision 2030 >> objectives as presicribed in the vision. In order to >> achieve the targets, >> especially of getting at least 50,000 youth into BPO sector >> in the next >> three years, we must get these bigies. This is what >> Ireland, India and >> Philipines did. >> >> Regards >> >> >> Ndemo. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > Hey Folks, >> > >> > I have lurked in the background for a while and like >> Wainaina I got a bit >> > lost in the exchanges. But I think one fundamental >> thread in all this - >> > despite the muddy exchanges - is the question of how >> do want to engage >> > with Foreign Investors? JM and others may have a >> point here - despite >> > their strong language. >> > >> > So maybe to bring benefit out of all these, we could >> indulge for a day or >> > two on the Policy we want as far as Foreign Direct >> Investments (FDI) into >> > our ICT industry are concerned. >> > >> > Correct me if am wrong but I believe the Government >> position/policy on >> > this has been that the Foreign investor MUST >> incorporate a local investor >> > at minimum ratio 20%(local) to 80%(foreign) >> ownership/equity. I think the >> > members who feel that this should be changed have >> cases/examples where the >> > local equity/investor failed to come up with their 20% >> capital and so the >> > opportunity for investment disappears. On the other >> hand, other members >> > feel that local investors are abundantly rich and can >> come up with even >> > over 50% of any capital/equity required to invest in >> the industry. >> > >> > I honestly dont know which side is right and which one >> is wrong - but what >> > I do know is that there exists cases where the local >> investors have failed >> > to meet their capital requirements - hence the need to >> review or >> > interrogate whether this policy is detrimental or >> indeed beneficial to our >> > industry. >> > >> > Plse lets have objective comments that are devoid of >> personal attacks and >> > we shall make progress. Otherwise we begin to sound >> like a broken record. >> > >> > walu. >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > --- On Thu, 10/16/08, gachuhi anthony >> <gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > >> >> From: gachuhi anthony >> <gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com> >> >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal >> aand Vested Interests >> >> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >> >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> >> Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008, 8:16 AM >> >> Moderator >> >> Is there a way off having an online poll to know >> where we >> >> stand maybe >> >> from there we may be able to know who is for or >> against the >> >> policies >> >> being discussed. >> >> Then we can give reasons as I don't think this >> a list >> >> to decide who is >> >> more kenyan than the other its about what will >> affect us >> >> all >> >> Tony >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On 10/16/08, Wainaina Mungai >> >> <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: >> >> > Dear all, >> >> > >> >> > What is the desired outcome of this very >> energised >> >> thread? (Select one) >> >> > >> >> > A: That the PS (I&C) announce that >> policies shall >> >> be developed in an >> >> > open, transparent and consultative manner. He >> also >> >> must organise a >> >> > forum to kickstart non-emotive talks by >> mid-November. >> >> > >> >> > B: That PS Ndemo resigns and is replaced with >> a person >> >> of your choice. >> >> > >> >> > C: That the Econet licence, Kencall licence >> and >> >> related MoUs, >> >> > contracts signed by PS (I&C) be >> cancelled. >> >> > >> >> > D: That all stakeholders Govt., KICTANET, >> KIF, CA, etc >> >> organise an >> >> > "ICT Investment" policy forum to be >> held in >> >> Nairobi around mid- >> >> > November 2008. >> >> > >> >> > I hope this shall help us focus on defining >> and >> >> achieving a common >> >> > goal so that we desist from personal attacks >> on >> >> integrity, racial >> >> > profiling and so on... >> >> > >> >> > Good day, >> >> > Wainaina >> >> > >> >> > On 10/16/08, Joseph Manthi >> <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> >> >> wrote: >> >> >> Edith,There are some useful lessons - but >> these >> >> lessons do not include: >> >> >> >> >> >> 1. How to give away your national >> treasures - like >> >> bandwidth - to foreign >> >> >> entities just because they say they can >> not do any >> >> business with local >> >> >> entrepreneurs. In fact I know this for a >> fact, you >> >> would never get a >> >> >> license >> >> >> to operate in UAE if this was your >> argument. >> >> Further to this lesson I >> >> >> would >> >> >> like to point to these additional >> countries that >> >> would laugh you out of >> >> >> town >> >> >> if you made that argument - US (some >> businesses >> >> like Airline, Military and >> >> >> Defense, Telecommunications (not ISP), >> Radio & >> >> TV), India, Singapore, >> >> >> Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the >> whole of >> >> Middle East, South >> >> >> Africa, >> >> >> Japan (especially Japan) >> >> >> >> >> >> 2. How not be conned. Kenya seems to >> heading there >> >> with its eyes opened. >> >> >> When a man approaches a woman, it would >> be a very >> >> stupid woman, who >> >> >> knowing >> >> >> what a man is capable of, to accept the >> BS that >> >> the man is feeding her. >> >> >> And >> >> >> if she does then she deserves what she >> gets. Kenya >> >> will get what it >> >> >> deserves >> >> >> and very soon. A good example is Russia >> and its >> >> oligarchs - all members of >> >> >> the Forbes Richest. >> >> >> >> >> >> 3. Great leadership is necessary to grow >> a >> >> country. A leadership with >> >> >> intestinal fortitude to say no under >> pressure. Top >> >> to bottom, >> >> >> >> >> >> 4. That the local mwananchi can invest in >> their >> >> own country and manage its >> >> >> growth >> >> >> >> >> >> 5. That a great nation looks upon its >> diaspora to >> >> grow it - a la Israel >> >> >> and >> >> >> India >> >> >> >> >> >> 6. That a great nation does not wait to >> be raped >> >> twice - We seem to be >> >> >> following a process that will guarantee >> our raping >> >> despite how Kenyan some >> >> >> members of this committee think they are. >> Its just >> >> a matter of time before >> >> >> they pick up their bags and leave. I >> really do not >> >> think that as a >> >> >> national >> >> >> planner I should be putting my eggs in >> that >> >> basket. >> >> >> >> >> >> Joe >> >> >> >> >> >> On Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM, >> >> <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> wrote: >> >> >> >> >> >>> Anyone has taken the time to >> thoroughly study >> >> the secret behind >> >> >>> Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E >> in >> >> general). There are some useful >> >> >>> lessons! >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> >---- Original Message ---- >> >> >>> >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com >> >> >>> >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >> >> >>> >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS >> Ndemo, >> >> ECONET Scandal aand Vested >> >> >>> >Interests >> >> >>> >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 >> -0700 >> >> (PDT) >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> >>Lizette >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>I think that you have >> racially >> >> inclined your mind. >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>When did KENCALL directors >> become >> >> Kenyans? After getting good >> >> >>> >friends to bribe their way to >> this >> >> country. And let me tell you that >> >> >>> >the money the so called investors >> are >> >> using are Kenyan money not >> >> >>> >money from foreign banks. >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>They have come and borrowed >> from >> >> Kenyan banks. How much does the >> >> >>> >most profitable telecomms >> companies leave >> >> in this country, very small >> >> >>> >amount. We have Telecomms >> companies which >> >> are on their marks. They >> >> >>> >have very inferior systems and >> dont >> >> actually deliver in service but >> >> >>> >make billions and run away with >> the >> >> billions. >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>Dada Lizette, we know that >> there are >> >> Kenyans who are white, black >> >> >>> >coloured and all but know that I >> am a >> >> mixed race Kenyan and really >> >> >>> >sad when our brotehrs have to >> suffer >> >> because of bad policies from >> >> >>> >people like PS >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>JM >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>----- Original Message ---- >> >> >>> >>From: Lizette Kraft >> >> <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> >> >> >>> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >> >> >>> >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy >> Discussions >> >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> >> >>> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, >> 2008 >> >> 1:52:07 PM >> >> >>> >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS >> Ndemo, >> >> ECONET Scandal aand Vested >> >> >>> >Interests >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>Just my two pennies worth >> here. >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>Kenya is not an Island that >> it can >> >> survive on its own even through >> >> >>> >local investment. Most times we >> dont have >> >> the funds. I do agree >> >> >>> >though about the Government and >> banks not >> >> supporting local investors >> >> >>> >with loans etc. They must start >> giving >> >> them the opportunity to setup >> >> >>> >local expertise and turn them in >> money >> >> making ventures, if only they >> >> >>> >wouldn't fleece their own >> companies. >> >> Even America, the giant needs >> >> >>> >investors!!! You all have a valid >> point >> >> but use it for the best >> >> >>> >interests of Kenya and its people >> first >> >> and foremost. Not just self >> >> >>> >interest for the few. And by the >> way >> >> Kenyans come in all shapes, >> >> >>> >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So >> please >> >> don't generalise who is kenyan >> >> >>> >and who is not!!! Kencall >> directors and >> >> owners are Kenyan and not >> >> >>> >outsiders if I understand >> correctly. When >> >> we are taxed whether >> >> >>> >individually or coorporately, the >> money is >> >> used for Kenya and Kenyans >> >> >>> >and not for outsiders who >> invested! >> >> Forcing local partnership in >> >> >>> >foreign owned companies has >> >> >>> >> its negative and positive >> effects. >> >> >>> >>This needs to be look at more >> >> seriously to make it a win-win >> >> >>> >situation. It has been known in >> the past >> >> that foreign investors with >> >> >>> >forced local partnership have >> been >> >> subjected to threats and >> >> >>> >intimidation by the local >> partners when >> >> they wanted more than their >> >> >>> >fare share, (given to them mind >> you). Thus >> >> the weariness o >> >> >>> >>of being forced now. This >> does not >> >> attract any investor. But the >> >> >>> >foreigners should not fleece the >> country >> >> either! >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>Let us have some constructive >> >> critisism without being racially >> >> >>> >inclined. Fight to make things >> right no >> >> matter what but without >> >> >>> >pinpointing nationalities or >> colours of >> >> people. >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina >> >> <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >> >> >>> >>kictanet mailing list >> >> >>> >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>This message was sent to: >> >> lfkraft(a)gmail.com >> >> >>> >>Unsubscribe or change your >> options at >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gma >il. >> >> >>> >com >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >>-- >> >> >>> >>Lizette Kraft >> >> >>> >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 >> >> >>> >>Nairobi, Kenya >> >> >>> >>Cell: 0722-800362 >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> >>> kictanet mailing list >> >> >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> >> >>> >> >> >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> >>> >> >> >>> This message was sent to: >> jmanthi(a)gmail.com >> >> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> >> >>> >> >> >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmai >l.com >> >> >>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> >> Joseph Manthi >> >> >> CEO >> >> >> MEO Ltd >> >> >> http://www.meoltd.com >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > -- >> >> > Sent from my mobile device >> >> > >> >> > Made in Kenya Network >> >> > Apt. B-8, Elite Park >> >> > Ole Odume Road >> >> > P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 >> >> > Nairobi. Kenya >> >> > Tel: +254-20-3590451 >> >> > Cel: +254-722-811171 >> >> > Cel: +254-735-370840 >> >> > www.madeinkenya.org >> >> > >> >> > http://www.bungesms.com >> >> > >> >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> >> > kictanet mailing list >> >> > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> >> > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> > >> >> > This message was sent to: >> gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com >> >> > Unsubscribe or change your options at >> >> > >> >> >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/gachuhi.anthon >y%40gmail.com >> >> > >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> 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: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke >> > Unsubscribe or change your options at >> > >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jamb >o.co.ke >> > >> > ---------------------------------------------- >> > This message has been scanned for viruses and >> > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> > believed to be clean. >> > --------------------------------------------- >> > "easy access to the world" >> > >> > >> >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" > >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >http://mail.yahoo.com > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: mwananchi(a)hushmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwananchi%40hu >shmail.com -- Click here to find travel and cruise franchise opportunities. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4frktsUNAhpwVFG3Jkg5yjygvxZp3xF7JkRFMT…

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Local software now set for exponential growth.:
by Gakuru Alex 19 Oct '08

19 Oct '08

[Business Daily] Experts praise new State guidelines on IT budgets Written by Okuttah Mark October 20, 2008: Government institutions will be required to spend half of their IT budgets in the local market in a move meant to promote software development. ... With the growth of mobile phone industry and the increase of Internet usage in the country, the move could also spur more innovative software on mobile phone applications for education, commerce and health. Information and Communication minister, Samuel Poghisio, says the decision was aimed at boosting the local industry as well as creating job opportunities. Mr Poghisio asked the multinationals in ICT industry to offer special development tools, training, certification and marketing support to local software developers. "The Government is keen on promoting local software development by encouraging a scheme to ensure that at least 50 per cent of Government software procurement is sourced from local developers," said Mr Poghisio. <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10707&Ite…> ---excerpt-- This move closely follows Linux Professional Association of Kenya research that established that approximately 99% of government software was proprietary clearly marking the beginning of public sector software procurement correction alongside, expected Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) benefiting much;) Due salutes to the Minister and Permament Secretary. Sincerely, Alex

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The E Whiteband - ICTs WORKING FOR DEVELOPMENT
by Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro 19 Oct '08

19 Oct '08

THE E WHITE BAND http://www.whiteband.org/Action/join-us The electronic white band (E-White Band) is a virtual white band where you can leave your message to end poverty and inequality ….as long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest. Nelson Mandela freedom, democracy, trade justice, equity, accountability, development, human rights for all, ...... nothing worthwhile comes cheap, or easy halving poverty by 2015 is entirely doable if enough people are willing to get involved; no doubt we are the generation that can see an end to poverty, we have helped create the most powerful tools ever, but they are worthless unless they can be effectively applied to address the greatest challenges at the core of the real global development agenda. supporting the global fight against poverty and inequality is about invoking the human spirit, seeking more hands and generating fresh perspectives to fashion a lever long enough to move society to a much better place; comprehensively improving the human condition. “Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough and I will move the world” Archimedes, 220 BC the human family is suffering and greater leveraging can help, STAND UP NOW, TAKE ACTION TODAY! Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro Director, Chair FWG International Young Professionals Foundation constancewalyaro(a)iypf.org www.iypf.org --- On Fri, 17/10/08, Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] MAKE ICTs WORK FOR DEVELOPMENT - STAND UP NOW, TAKE ACTION TODAY! To: constance(a)youthaidscoalition.org, "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Friday, 17 October, 2008, 9:19 AM > > 1. Tell your MP what you think: send SMS messages to the number 3454 with > the word STAND UP. > United in eradicating poverty! but, won't the SMS action path actually leave poor senders poorer? Regards, Alex On Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 3:10 AM, Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro <constance(a)youthaidscoalition.org> wrote: > > > > > Poverty > affects us all > > > > > > 'Today is the UN's official World Poverty Day. But every day is poverty day > for the two billion people worldwide who have less than two dollars a day to > live on. Of those, just under one billion live on just one dollar a day. In > September 2000, 189 countries pledged to halve the number of those in > poverty by 2015. When we look at the results so far, hope mixes with > despair. Over 100 million children are still unable to go to school. Each > year, 10 million children die before their 5th birthday. 40 million are > living with HIV and AIDS, and 5 million die of it each year.'17th Oct 2004 > Hilary Benn, UK Secretary of State for International Development > > > > > > Today, nearly half of the world's people live in poverty, 70% are women. > 50,000 people still die daily as a result of extreme poverty, and yet …..we > have the power to change this. www.standagainstpoverty.org > > > > > Last year, 43.7 million people around the world took part in the biggest > global mobilization to end poverty and inequality, and to promote the > Millennium Development Goals. This year, at a time of global financial > crises and food shortages, more than ever we need to ACT together in order > to send an even stronger message to push world leaders for more and better > aid, debt cancellation, education for all, healthcare, trade justice, gender > equality, public accountability and an end to extreme poverty by 2015. > > > > > > As the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty unfolds across the > world we're hoping to mobilize 1% of the global population - over 67 million > people around the world to STAND UP and TAKE ACTION [17th - 19th Oct] > against Poverty for the MDGs. Your actions count! > > > > > > 1. Tell your MP what you think: send SMS messages to the number 3454 with > the word STAND UP. > > > > 2. Attend Global Gatherings: a series of parallel IYPF events held in over > 30 different countries focused on mobilizing and engaging young > professionals in activities and processes that are holding governments and > leaders accountable and contributing to the achievement of the MDGs. > www.iypf.org > > > > 3. Join Virtual Stand Up: log in from October 17th to 19th and interact with > the world on MDGs; build a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world. > Facebook IYPF StandUp Global Gathering www.iypf.org > > > > > > > > We have the power and an obligation to make ICTs work for development! > STAND UP NOW, TAKE ACTION TODAY, Make Poverty History! > > > > > > > > Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro > > Director, Chair FWG > > International Young Professionals Foundation > > constancewalyaro(a)iypf.org > > www.iypf.org > > > > > > Wainaina P. Mungai > > Make in Kenya Network > > wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org > > www.madeinkenya.org > > > > > > > > > > StandUp is an initiative of the Make Poverty History and Global Call to > Action Against Poverty (GCAP) campaigns. IYPF is a GCAP Global Mobilization > Partner. www.makepovertyhistory.org > > > > > Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alexgakuru.lists%40gma… > Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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AfNOG 2009 ANNOUNCEMENT
by Dorcas Muthoni 19 Oct '08

19 Oct '08

*AfNOG-10 and AfriNIC-10: Meetings 10 - 22 May, 2009* The African Network Operators' Group (AfNOG) and the African Network Information Centre (AfriNIC) are pleased to announce that the 10th AfNOG Meeting and the AfriNIC-10 Meeting would be held in Cairo, Egypt, in May 200 9. *AfNOG 10 & AfriNIC 10 will be our 10th Anniversary in our journey from Cape Town to Cairo!* *About the Entire Event* AfNOG and AfriNIC are jointly organizing a two-week event that includes the AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology (offering advanced training in a week-long hands-on workshop), several full-day Advanced Tutorials, a one-day AfNOG Meeting, and a two-day AfriNIC Meeting. In addition, several side meetings and workshops will be hosted in collaboration with other organizations such as the AAU and ISOC. Additional information about the event may be found at http://www.afnog.org/afnog2009/ and http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/.<http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/> *Timetable* Unix Boot Camp <http://www.ws.afnog.org/afnog2008/unix-intro/index.html> 9 - 10 May 2009 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Workshop <http://www.ws.afnog.org/afnog2008/> 11 - 15 May 2009 (Monday - Friday) AfriNIC IPv6 Workshop <http://www.afrinic.net/training/> 16 – 17 May 2009 (Saturday - Sunday) AfREN Meeting <http://www.aau.org/renu/ws/afren08/progr.htm> 16 – 17 May 2009 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Tutorials <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/tutorial/> 17 - 18 May 2008 (Sunday - Monday) AfriNIC LIR Workshop <http://www.afrinic.net/training/> 18 May 2009 (Monday) AfNOG -10 Meeting <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/conference/> 19 May 2009 (Tuesday) AfriNIC-10Meeting <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-8/> 20 - 21 May 2009 (Wednesday - Friday) Africa INET Day <http://www.isoc.org/isoc/conferences/inet/08/> 22 May 2009 (Friday) *Venue* Venue for the event will be announced shortly. * * *Hotel & Conferences*** Hotel will be announced shortly * * *About AfNOG* AfNOG (see <http://www.afnog.org/>) <http://www.afnog.org> is a forum for cooperation and the exchange of technical information between operators of Internet-connected networks in Africa. AfNOG has organized an event like this one every year since 2000. *About AfriNIC* AfriNIC (see <http://www.afrinic.net/>) <http://www.afrinic.net> is a Regional Internet Registry (RIR), responsible for Internet Number resources Mangement in the Africa region. AfriNIC organizes two Public Policy meetings every year (see < http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>). *AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology* The AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology aims to offer advanced training to people who are in the process of developing and enhancing an Internet-connected network with regional and international connectivity. The target audience includes senior and mid-level technical staff of commercial Internet service providers (ISPs), academic networks, government networks, or NGO networks. This workshop builds on the experience of previous AfNOG workshops held annually from 2000 to 2008 in nine different African countries, and also the Internet Society's INET workshops, held annually from 1993 to 2000 at eight locations around the world. The workshop's instructors are an international team with many years of experience operating large networks and teaching about network operations. The workshop is divided into four parallel tracks: - SA-E - Unix System Administration (in English), focused on using a Unix-like operating system as a platform for delivery of Internet services. - SS-E - Scalable Internet Services (in English), focused on the design and operation of email, web, and other Internet services, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of end users. - SI-E - Scalable Network Infrastructure (in English), focused on the design and operation of networks using routers and switches, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of interconnected sites. - SI-F - Infrastructure Reseaux IP (en francais), similar to track E2, but given in French. Further information and application forms for the workshop are available at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2009/workshop/> *AfREN Meeting* The Africa Research and Education Networking community will be holding a two-day meeting on 16 - 17 May 2009. The meeting will discuss issues of interest to the NREN community such as coordination on activites in the region, advocacy, bandwidth consortia, regional RENs etc. Additional information about AfREN 2009 will be provided shortly at : < http://www.aau.org/renu/ws/afren09/intro.htm> *AfNOG Tutorials* AfNOG will offer 1 to 2 full-day(s) tutorials on advanced topics. Tutorials take place in a classroom-style environment, and may include a hands-on practical component. Tutorials are non-commercial in nature, and most are technically oriented. They are intended to offer advanced training on technology already deployed or soon to be deployed on networking and related services provisioning for ISP operations. For additional information and the Tutorial schedule see: < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2009/tutorial/> *10th AfNOG Meeting* The 9th AfNOG meeting will be held in Cairo, Egypt, on 19 May 2009. AfNOG conferences provide a forum for the coordination and dissemination of technical information related to backbone/enterprise networking technologies and operational practices. The meetings are informal, with an emphasis on relevance to current and future African backbone engineering practices. The AfNOG 2008 conference in Rabat, Morocco, drew over 179 participants, mainly consisting of network engineering staff from national service providers, and members of the research and education community. For additional information and the Conference schedule see: < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2009/conference/> *AfriNIC-10 Meeting* The AfriNIC-10 meeting will be held in Cairo, Egypt, from 20 21 May 2009. AfriNIC Meetings are open to everyone and provide an excellent opportunity to take part in Internet policy discussions. These policies, which describe how Internet Number Resources should be managed and distributed, are developed by the community. The meeting will include tutorials, presentations, update on the various working groups and the AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting. The two day meeting will be preceeded by a two-day IPv6 training. The meeting will focus on the IPv6 protocol and its deployment, especially in Africa and the issue of the exhaustion of the IPv4 pool of address space. There will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges which our region will be facing with the exhaustion. Further information is available at <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. *ISOC - INET Africa Conference* The Internet Society will be organizing an INET Africa Conference on 22 May 2009 in conjunction with the AfriNIC 10 and AfNOG 10 meetings in Cairo, Egypt. It will discuss about the situation of the Internet Interconnection in Africa, the challenges as well as the solutions, including Internet Exchange Points. The meeting agenda is available at < http://www.isoc.org/isoc/conferences/inet/09/> *Visa Requirements* Citizens of certain countries require visa to enter Egypt. Please check from the Egypt Embassy in your country. *Information on Visa to Egypt: * (source http://www.mfa.gov.eg/MFA_Portal/en-GB/Services/Rules+and+Regulations/) *Egyptian Visa Regulations* Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Entry visas may be obtained from Egyptian Diplomatic and Consular Missions Abroad or from the Entry Visa Department at the Travel Documents, Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). It is, however, possible for most tourists and visitors to obtain an entry visa at any of the Major Ports of Entry. Please check with the nearest Egyptian Consulate for specific details and regulations relevant to your nationality. *Notes* *There are three types of Egyptian visa:* - Tourist Visa: is usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis. - Entry Visa: is required for any foreigner arriving in Egypt for purposes other than tourism, e.g. work, study, etc. The possession of a valid Entry Visa is needed to complete the residence procedure in Egypt. - Transit Visa. *Major Ports of Entry to Egypt Airports:* - Cairo International (2 terminals) - Alexandria Nozha - Luxor, Upper Egypt - Aswan, Upper Egypt - Hurghaga, Red Sea - Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai *Health* * * *Airport* Information to be provided shortly.

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Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 18 Oct '08

18 Oct '08

Gachui What is this list for? Can we please discuss issues with open heart. One claimed that this list is not the police. Is this list also parliament to discuss bills? Please lets all handle issues openly because if we be discriminative and very rigid then we will be going nowhere JM ----- Original Message ---- From: gachuhi anthony <gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 7:16:22 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests Moderator Is there a way off having an online poll to know where we stand maybe from there we may be able to know who is for or against the policies being discussed. Then we can give reasons as I don't think this a list to decide who is more kenyan than the other its about what will affect us all Tony On 10/16/08, Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: > Dear all, > > What is the desired outcome of this very energised thread? (Select one) > > A: That the PS (I&C) announce that policies shall be developed in an > open, transparent and consultative manner. He also must organise a > forum to kickstart non-emotive talks by mid-November. > > B: That PS Ndemo resigns and is replaced with a person of your choice. > > C: That the Econet licence, Kencall licence and related MoUs, > contracts signed by PS (I&C) be cancelled. > > D: That all stakeholders Govt., KICTANET, KIF, CA, etc organise an > "ICT Investment" policy forum to be held in Nairobi around mid- > November 2008. > > I hope this shall help us focus on defining and achieving a common > goal so that we desist from personal attacks on integrity, racial > profiling and so on... > > Good day, > Wainaina > > On 10/16/08, Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Edith,There are some useful lessons - but these lessons do not include: >> >> 1. How to give away your national treasures - like bandwidth - to foreign >> entities just because they say they can not do any business with local >> entrepreneurs. In fact I know this for a fact, you would never get a >> license >> to operate in UAE if this was your argument. Further to this lesson I >> would >> like to point to these additional countries that would laugh you out of >> town >> if you made that argument - US (some businesses like Airline, Military and >> Defense, Telecommunications (not ISP), Radio & TV), India, Singapore, >> Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the whole of Middle East, South >> Africa, >> Japan (especially Japan) >> >> 2. How not be conned. Kenya seems to heading there with its eyes opened. >> When a man approaches a woman, it would be a very stupid woman, who >> knowing >> what a man is capable of, to accept the BS that the man is feeding her. >> And >> if she does then she deserves what she gets. Kenya will get what it >> deserves >> and very soon. A good example is Russia and its oligarchs - all members of >> the Forbes Richest. >> >> 3. Great leadership is necessary to grow a country. A leadership with >> intestinal fortitude to say no under pressure. Top to bottom, >> >> 4. That the local mwananchi can invest in their own country and manage its >> growth >> >> 5. That a great nation looks upon its diaspora to grow it - a la Israel >> and >> India >> >> 6. That a great nation does not wait to be raped twice - We seem to be >> following a process that will guarantee our raping despite how Kenyan some >> members of this committee think they are. Its just a matter of time before >> they pick up their bags and leave. I really do not think that as a >> national >> planner I should be putting my eggs in that basket. >> >> Joe >> >> On Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM, <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> wrote: >> >>> Anyone has taken the time to thoroughly study the secret behind >>> Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E in general). There are some useful >>> lessons! >>> >>> >>> > >>> >---- Original Message ---- >>> >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>> >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >>> >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >>> >Interests >>> >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 -0700 (PDT) >>> > >>> >>Lizette >>> >> >>> >>I think that you have racially inclined your mind. >>> >> >>> >>When did KENCALL directors become Kenyans? After getting good >>> >friends to bribe their way to this country. And let me tell you that >>> >the money the so called investors are using are Kenyan money not >>> >money from foreign banks. >>> >> >>> >>They have come and borrowed from Kenyan banks. How much does the >>> >most profitable telecomms companies leave in this country, very small >>> >amount. We have Telecomms companies which are on their marks. They >>> >have very inferior systems and dont actually deliver in service but >>> >make billions and run away with the billions. >>> >> >>> >>Dada Lizette, we know that there are Kenyans who are white, black >>> >coloured and all but know that I am a mixed race Kenyan and really >>> >sad when our brotehrs have to suffer because of bad policies from >>> >people like PS >>> >> >>> >>JM >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>----- Original Message ---- >>> >>From: Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> >>> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>> >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:52:07 PM >>> >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >>> >Interests >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>Just my two pennies worth here. >>> >> >>> >>Kenya is not an Island that it can survive on its own even through >>> >local investment. Most times we dont have the funds. I do agree >>> >though about the Government and banks not supporting local investors >>> >with loans etc. They must start giving them the opportunity to setup >>> >local expertise and turn them in money making ventures, if only they >>> >wouldn't fleece their own companies. Even America, the giant needs >>> >investors!!! You all have a valid point but use it for the best >>> >interests of Kenya and its people first and foremost. Not just self >>> >interest for the few. And by the way Kenyans come in all shapes, >>> >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So please don't generalise who is kenyan >>> >and who is not!!! Kencall directors and owners are Kenyan and not >>> >outsiders if I understand correctly. When we are taxed whether >>> >individually or coorporately, the money is used for Kenya and Kenyans >>> >and not for outsiders who invested! Forcing local partnership in >>> >foreign owned companies has >>> >> its negative and positive effects. >>> >>This needs to be look at more seriously to make it a win-win >>> >situation. It has been known in the past that foreign investors with >>> >forced local partnership have been subjected to threats and >>> >intimidation by the local partners when they wanted more than their >>> >fare share, (given to them mind you). Thus the weariness o >>> >>of being forced now. This does not attract any investor. But the >>> >foreigners should not fleece the country either! >>> >> >>> >>Let us have some constructive critisism without being racially >>> >inclined. Fight to make things right no matter what but without >>> >pinpointing nationalities or colours of people. >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >>> >>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 >>> >> >>> >>_______________________________________________ >>> >>kictanet mailing list >>> >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >> >>> >>This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com >>> >>Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail. >>> >com >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>-- >>> >>Lizette Kraft >>> >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 >>> >>Nairobi, Kenya >>> >>Cell: 0722-800362 >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: jmanthi(a)gmail.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmail.com >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Joseph Manthi >> CEO >> MEO Ltd >> http://www.meoltd.com >> > > -- > Sent from my mobile device > > Made in Kenya Network > Apt. B-8, Elite Park > Ole Odume Road > P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 > Nairobi. Kenya > Tel: +254-20-3590451 > Cel: +254-722-811171 > Cel: +254-735-370840 > www.madeinkenya.org > > http://www.bungesms.com > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/gachuhi.anthony%40gmai… > -- Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: j.maina(a)ymail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/j.maina%40ymail.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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KENYA ICT BOARD ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF BPO BANDWIDTH CAPACITY SUPPORT
by Lucy Odhiambo 18 Oct '08

18 Oct '08

Dear All, This morning the board held a press conference where our CEO , Paul Kukubo together with our Deputy CEOs, Eunice Kariuki and Victor Kyalo, and BPO operators, announced the commencement of disbursement of capacity support to the BPO industry. This is great news for the industry as it will go a long way to ensure the development and growth of this sub-sector. We have placed a notice to the same effect in today's Standard Newspapers and will place another one in tomorrow's Saturday Nation. The team also briefed the press on the upcoming Silicon Valley Trip and the great impact it will have on the broader ICT industry in terms of capacity and relationship building. We wish our colleagues ,directors and industry players all the best as they leave this weekend for San Jose, California. The press releases and FAQ sheet are herewith for your perusal. Regards, Lucy Gachui-Odhiambo Communications Manager Kenya ICT Board 12th Floor Telposta Towers Koinange Lane PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Cell 0737- 839047 Tel: 254-020-2093040 www.ict.go.ke ICT-logo-02.jpg

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Mobile messaging for the masses – an idea whose time has come
by alice 18 Oct '08

18 Oct '08

(From Balancing Act) MobileActive 08: Mobile messaging for the masses – an idea whose time has come Three hundred and eighty people gathered from all over the world in Johannesburg this week to discuss how mobile phones might be used for social and political purposes in developing countries. The organisers and hosts Sangonet had expected 150 people but the topic clearly touched a nerve. The event crackled with the kind of energy that happens when people gather on a topic for the first time. Russell Southwood looks at the issues raised by the event’s subject. At the core of all this energy was a very simple notion. The technology device of choice for the majority of people in developing continents like Africa is the mobile phone. If you want to deliver messages to people or get them to respond then SMS or voice is an obvious route to go down. But mobiles are not just a delivery channel but are fast becoming a media in their own right. National consumer surveys in Balancing Act’s report African Broadcast and Film Markets showed that between 3-9% of respondents in a variety of countries named the mobile as one of the most used daily sources of information. But like the old Hollywood saying, there were only really five stories at MobileActive 08. These were identified by snappy tags like M-health or M-education: indeed, M- almost any development sector you care to think of. Well, there were actually eight areas of M-something: health, education, rural livelihoods (agriculture), governance (political campaigning), disaster warning and women. Mobiles are now being used to: send out bulk mailings to key target groups (nurses); mobilise supporters; poll people and gather data; to provide answers to enquiries; to offer information support for activities; and raise funds. The majority of this activity is based on the 160 characters available in SMS. In other words, it’s an instantaneous, wide angle media but you can’t say that much using it. But you can send several messages to overcome this limitation. However, as one-long time veteran of using technology for development in Africa told me:”Everyone knows how to use it and most people have access to it.” The sheer inventiveness of many of the different services was impressive. For example, I attended a presentation by Zimbabwe’s Kubatana.net who used the call centre functionality of Asterisk to create Freedom Fone. This was designed to counteract the tight control of media in that country by allowing users to phone in and listen to short radio-style programming. In the example aired musician Thomas Mapfumo talked of a campaign of “tough love” towards the Government. The early pioneers of using mobiles for social purposes go back in Africa to the funding of the agricultural pricing service pioneered by Senegal’s Manobi in 1998. But like a lot of new development-based activity, the use of mobiles seems to operate in a memory-free present tense. The early precursors of this activity were those who gathered at the beginning of the millennium to try and use the Internet as way to break out of seemingly intractable development issues: technology would provide a magic pill that opened up new solutions. On the one side you had the wild-eyed (often American) tech enthusiasts and on the other side, the mumbling choir of African policy makers who seemed to want something called the Information Society. And somewhere in between were the development professionals who were trying to make sense of it all. The hopes for technology as a magic solution were dashed upon the rocks of a lack of infrastructure, a consequent shortage of users and the inability of the mumbling choir to remove the policy blockages to achieve the much-mentioned Information Society. The disillusioned and pragmatic headed in a number of different directions. Some of them moved from focusing on the Internet to thinking about how to use mobile phones. People like Peter Armstrong of One World who set up an SMS jobs service in Nairobi’s Kibera were part of this group. Others started campaigning to change both the fundamentals of price and infrastructure. Whilst others, like Geek Corps founder Ethan Zuckerman (who has been a moving force behind encouraging blogging through Global Voices) moved off in new directions. The absence of those promoting the Internet at MobileActive perhaps reflects these changes. The Internet enthusiasts had to break through the standard development response which might be cruelly summarised as: how can you spend money on technology when poor people need _________ ?(insert the word reflecting your own particular work area). For whatever else, this interest in technology did, it began at the edges to challenge long-established funding patterns and the thinking around it. But it also initiated a debate about the efficacy of different types of media. The Internet was compared unfavourably with radio and in time also with mobile phones: something always had to be the answer to everything. But in reality, no-one thing is ever the answer to everything. People make use of a range of media and any process of communicating with them will be “hybrid”: in other words, it will be sent and received using a range of methods. The same righteous position-taking about what approach was morally superior was also present at the conference, best exemplified by a person who seemed to pop up at almost every session I attended and make the point that voice messages were more effective in communicating with the poor than text SMSs. Whilst the position has a useful grain of truth, it rather ignores the many millions of messages sent by the functionally and completely illiterate every month. And as I learned, the presence of SMS writers (who have sprung up alongside letter writers) in places like Pakistan, who charge the illiterate to send messages they compose for them. Unlike the initial world-changing promises for the Internet, those working with mobiles make more modest claims. Cell-Life which works in HIV-AIDS information says that missed appointments at Themba Lethu clinic in Johannesburg among the 9,000 patients using TxtAlert has dropped from 10% to 3%. SocialTxt which uses the 120 unused characters on the “please call me” message to insert calls to action about HIV-AIDS has driven an increase in people calling national helplines. One call centre reported that over two weeks 41% of users had accessed services following a campaign of this sort. These claims are merely illustrative of the various ways in which mobiles can change social circumstances favourably. Others included: using MIXIT to teach basic maths; mobilising protest by using SMS; “dating” agricultural growers with produce buyers using text alerts (TradeNet in Ghana); getting people to speak out against domestic violence (WOUGNET in Uganda); gathering data using Java-apps to create simple menus; weekly farming tips to farmers (CELAC project in Uganda); using a mobile phone on a table for conference calls with farmers; and many, many others. So whilst NGO professionals now make far greater use of PCs and the Internet in their work (according to the Worldwide Worx survey for 2007, 99% of South African NGOs use e-mail), there is a growing acknowledgement that mobile phones can be used effectively for wider communication. As Peter Benjamin of CellLife told me:”There’s a huge demand for information. Very good information already exists (in the HIV-AIDS field) and there are high levels of cell-phone usage. (For most of the people we want to talk to) e-mails and the Internet are from another planet. The mobile is the device in the hands of the majority and it can do interactions.” So if it’s such an obviously good idea, why can’t I name more successful, long-standing projects that have begun to change the fundamentals of communication or the lives of people? On the fingers of one hand, you have the aforementioned jobs service from One World and Safaricom’s M-Pesa service (which was initially funded by DFID through Vodafone) and errrr…that’s it? Readers may wish to write and tell me what a fool I am for forgetting to mention other long-standing projects but I doubt that I will find myself using the fingers of more than two hands. The immediate and seemingly reasonable response is that many of these projects are in their early stages. There did not seem to be a single project I spoke to at the conference that was not a pilot: in other words it will be funded for a year to three years and then may disappear. However, the early pioneers stretch back further and few have found their financial feet or scaled up in such a way that they have made a significant major impact. Indeed one might ask: with so many pilots around, when are we going to see some flying? An uncomfortable circle of circumstances involving what the service is, who might use and how it is funded chases its own tail to no little or no effect. You need scale to demonstrate effect. Scale takes time and money to establish. SMS itself in Africa did not spring out suddenly newly-formed with millions of users, it took time to develop. With certain notable exceptions, donors and foundations are keen to seed but do not take a long view. Impact only comes with scale. A few hundred users is hopeless, a few thousand users is promising, a few hundred thousand users is suggestive and over a million means you’re actually getting somewhere. For complex systems, like agriculture, you need to have “critical mass” across several countries. Faced with the daunting cliff of “scaling-up” or “rolling-out”, some in the development community go squishy and start saying things like cultures are different and things work differently in different places. But whilst this is undoubtedly true, these are what we know technically speaking as “excuses”. Mobile phones and the practice of using them differs from country to country but that hasn’t stopped them rolling out in every country in the world. The same will be true for services on mobile phones and their use as media: ways will be differ but certain things will be the same and the challenge is to make it so useful that people can’t fail to want it. It’s not about technology, it’s about what makes people’s lives easier. The big abstract concept areas of development (like health) may sound important and “do you good” but they have to fit into how people lead their lives and their sense of priorities. For as Mark Davies of TradeNet (who wrestles with the complicated issues affecting farmers) said:”It’s all about understanding the agents of change and that’s anthropology not technology.” People in development all too often think they know what’s good for people and for all the rhetoric about “bottom-up approaches” simply fail to observe what people are saying or doing. To be fair, that listening process is not as simple as it sounds. Gary Marsden of University of Cape Town ran a session that looked at the important relationship between potential users and developers. The design community’s version of “bottom-up” is “user-centred design”: the user becomes part of the design team in a warm, humane Scandinavian version of co-creation after you show them a prototype. The real difficulty faced by developers, according to Marsden, was that the potential users had no familiarity or conceptual framework to make a useful input. To use an analogy, it would be a bit like showing a pre-automobile, horse-rider a car and asking for design input. Why are there no stirrups? One Mexican group simply watched closely the intended users making use of the tools provided and used paper to sketch out what might happen with them. But this observation probably applies better to more complex apps for computers or menu-driven apps for mobiles, not SMS. But even with SMS simple design flaws can upset the process. One application for data collection using SMS involved using the hash key as separators but the hash key was different when the phone was in SMS mode for some users. From my own experience, African users want to be helpful and will often consciously or unconsciously simply mirror back what the project’s initiators want to hear. The conference had a session on “sustainability” which is one version of development-speak for: how will it pay for itself? I was unable to attend this session as I was speaking in another session but having closely grilled two or three people who attended, there didn’t seem to be a whole lot of answers that were aired. In truth, there are only three broad, long-term answers and none make very comfortable listening for those who want these projects to succeed. The user pays, the Government pays or as with other media, a sponsor or advertiser pays. There is an interesting sub-set of the user pays which is political issues and the campaigning that goes with them: Greenpeace Argentina can use phone calls to find supporters and ask some of them for funds to pay for this work. If it’s important to you and you want it enough, you’ll find a way of paying for it. The development sector usually assumes that if people are poor, then a service will need to be “free-at-the-point-of-delivery”: it costs money to have the service but it comes out of general taxation. But at one level poor people are not so different from the more well-off. The Orange Foundation ran a scheme in a poor part of Mali’s capital Bamako. Mothers would bring their babies to be weighed and the weights of the babies would be mailed to a paediatrician. He or she checked their progress and if and when weight progress fell below a certain level, advice or medication would be provided. There were 300 subscribers paying US$1.05 a month and by any description this is a health insurance scheme. As with using mobile phones, the poor will pay for what they really value. Therefore one challenge is to produce a service that they really value and large number can afford to pay a small amount for: Safaricom’s M-Pesa has 2.5 million users because it is a service that is really valued by its users. No capacity building workshops were run to help users, they taught themselves based on the service’s marketing information. There will be some services that cannot be commercialised because they are simply a public service: these will either need to be fundraised for or ultimately become part of the budget of Government. For the latter, the justification for spending will be two-fold. It communicates more effectively with a group of people and/or it is more cost effective. So for example, collecting data electronically is challenging but almost certainly quicker and cheaper than its paper and physical collection equivalent. But for African Governments, it implies overhauling a sclerotic and often inert civil service by moving money out of existing ways of doing things into new more effective ways of doing them. In terms of advertising and sponsors, the level of activity needs to be at a critical mass to attract interest. Praekelt Foundation’s use of advertising slogans on Call Me messages can reach 13 million people daily in South Africa. But for only 120 characters, the few thousand dollars they charge per million users seems reasonable. Nevertheless nw advertising media take time to establish themselves. But whatever the challenges and limitations of using mobiles as a media, this one will run and run as all those involved wrestle with different ways to make it work.

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Re: [kictanet] What should the Investment Policy Be?
by John Walubengo 17 Oct '08

17 Oct '08

Plse lets hear more opinions on this issue. I heard one opinion that in the vent local investors are unable to raise funding, we could allow the foreing investor get in at 100% ownership on condition that they offload 20% to local investors within 3-5years. Is this workable? Yet another opinion was that local investors do have the funds - its just NOT structured i.e. well consolidated and cordinated. I think this may also be true if the recent Safaricom IPO is anything to go by. So it looks like we do have the funds for ICT investments while at the same time we dont! Where is the catch, bottleneck? How could this be resolved? walu. --- On Fri, 10/17/08, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > Subject: What should the Investment Policy Be? > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Cc: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke, "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Friday, October 17, 2008, 11:22 AM > Dear Listers, > A number of you have written to me off-list seeking to know > the > organizations that have sought excemption from the 20% > local equity > partcipation. > > These are four of the World's largets call centers and > two ICT equipment > manufacturers. They have said very clearly that they do > not want to go > through what some of the investors in telecoms sector went > through or are > going through. By this they mean local > "Investors" who fail to raise > their part of the bargain. We failed thrice to get the SNO > simply because > our local investors could not live up to their promises > (Vtel, Reliance > etc). This is an annormally in the current policy that > does not allow the > investor to seek for another local investor in the event of > a disagreement > in the first marriage (Do not read Econet since law is > never applied > retrospectively). > > Any progressive policy would give a chance to other people > instead of > forcing investors to stay in a marriage that does not bear > fruit. You > recall in past meeting we have called for such investments > to seek for > partnership at the stock exchange. This would mean then > that the current > policy is changed to allow that in the event there is a > disagreement, the > foreign investor can seek for a nother partner or better go > to the stock > market. > > My responsibility among others is to ensure that we achieve > vision 2030 > objectives as presicribed in the vision. In order to > achieve the targets, > especially of getting at least 50,000 youth into BPO sector > in the next > three years, we must get these bigies. This is what > Ireland, India and > Philipines did. > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > > Hey Folks, > > > > I have lurked in the background for a while and like > Wainaina I got a bit > > lost in the exchanges. But I think one fundamental > thread in all this - > > despite the muddy exchanges - is the question of how > do want to engage > > with Foreign Investors? JM and others may have a > point here - despite > > their strong language. > > > > So maybe to bring benefit out of all these, we could > indulge for a day or > > two on the Policy we want as far as Foreign Direct > Investments (FDI) into > > our ICT industry are concerned. > > > > Correct me if am wrong but I believe the Government > position/policy on > > this has been that the Foreign investor MUST > incorporate a local investor > > at minimum ratio 20%(local) to 80%(foreign) > ownership/equity. I think the > > members who feel that this should be changed have > cases/examples where the > > local equity/investor failed to come up with their 20% > capital and so the > > opportunity for investment disappears. On the other > hand, other members > > feel that local investors are abundantly rich and can > come up with even > > over 50% of any capital/equity required to invest in > the industry. > > > > I honestly dont know which side is right and which one > is wrong - but what > > I do know is that there exists cases where the local > investors have failed > > to meet their capital requirements - hence the need to > review or > > interrogate whether this policy is detrimental or > indeed beneficial to our > > industry. > > > > Plse lets have objective comments that are devoid of > personal attacks and > > we shall make progress. Otherwise we begin to sound > like a broken record. > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- On Thu, 10/16/08, gachuhi anthony > <gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > >> From: gachuhi anthony > <gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com> > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal > aand Vested Interests > >> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008, 8:16 AM > >> Moderator > >> Is there a way off having an online poll to know > where we > >> stand maybe > >> from there we may be able to know who is for or > against the > >> policies > >> being discussed. > >> Then we can give reasons as I don't think this > a list > >> to decide who is > >> more kenyan than the other its about what will > affect us > >> all > >> Tony > >> > >> > >> > >> On 10/16/08, Wainaina Mungai > >> <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: > >> > Dear all, > >> > > >> > What is the desired outcome of this very > energised > >> thread? (Select one) > >> > > >> > A: That the PS (I&C) announce that > policies shall > >> be developed in an > >> > open, transparent and consultative manner. He > also > >> must organise a > >> > forum to kickstart non-emotive talks by > mid-November. > >> > > >> > B: That PS Ndemo resigns and is replaced with > a person > >> of your choice. > >> > > >> > C: That the Econet licence, Kencall licence > and > >> related MoUs, > >> > contracts signed by PS (I&C) be > cancelled. > >> > > >> > D: That all stakeholders Govt., KICTANET, > KIF, CA, etc > >> organise an > >> > "ICT Investment" policy forum to be > held in > >> Nairobi around mid- > >> > November 2008. > >> > > >> > I hope this shall help us focus on defining > and > >> achieving a common > >> > goal so that we desist from personal attacks > on > >> integrity, racial > >> > profiling and so on... > >> > > >> > Good day, > >> > Wainaina > >> > > >> > On 10/16/08, Joseph Manthi > <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> > >> wrote: > >> >> Edith,There are some useful lessons - but > these > >> lessons do not include: > >> >> > >> >> 1. How to give away your national > treasures - like > >> bandwidth - to foreign > >> >> entities just because they say they can > not do any > >> business with local > >> >> entrepreneurs. In fact I know this for a > fact, you > >> would never get a > >> >> license > >> >> to operate in UAE if this was your > argument. > >> Further to this lesson I > >> >> would > >> >> like to point to these additional > countries that > >> would laugh you out of > >> >> town > >> >> if you made that argument - US (some > businesses > >> like Airline, Military and > >> >> Defense, Telecommunications (not ISP), > Radio & > >> TV), India, Singapore, > >> >> Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the > whole of > >> Middle East, South > >> >> Africa, > >> >> Japan (especially Japan) > >> >> > >> >> 2. How not be conned. Kenya seems to > heading there > >> with its eyes opened. > >> >> When a man approaches a woman, it would > be a very > >> stupid woman, who > >> >> knowing > >> >> what a man is capable of, to accept the > BS that > >> the man is feeding her. > >> >> And > >> >> if she does then she deserves what she > gets. Kenya > >> will get what it > >> >> deserves > >> >> and very soon. A good example is Russia > and its > >> oligarchs - all members of > >> >> the Forbes Richest. > >> >> > >> >> 3. Great leadership is necessary to grow > a > >> country. A leadership with > >> >> intestinal fortitude to say no under > pressure. Top > >> to bottom, > >> >> > >> >> 4. That the local mwananchi can invest in > their > >> own country and manage its > >> >> growth > >> >> > >> >> 5. That a great nation looks upon its > diaspora to > >> grow it - a la Israel > >> >> and > >> >> India > >> >> > >> >> 6. That a great nation does not wait to > be raped > >> twice - We seem to be > >> >> following a process that will guarantee > our raping > >> despite how Kenyan some > >> >> members of this committee think they are. > Its just > >> a matter of time before > >> >> they pick up their bags and leave. I > really do not > >> think that as a > >> >> national > >> >> planner I should be putting my eggs in > that > >> basket. > >> >> > >> >> Joe > >> >> > >> >> On Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM, > >> <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> wrote: > >> >> > >> >>> Anyone has taken the time to > thoroughly study > >> the secret behind > >> >>> Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E > in > >> general). There are some useful > >> >>> lessons! > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > > >> >>> >---- Original Message ---- > >> >>> >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com > >> >>> >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke > >> >>> >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS > Ndemo, > >> ECONET Scandal aand Vested > >> >>> >Interests > >> >>> >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 > -0700 > >> (PDT) > >> >>> > > >> >>> >>Lizette > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>I think that you have > racially > >> inclined your mind. > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>When did KENCALL directors > become > >> Kenyans? After getting good > >> >>> >friends to bribe their way to > this > >> country. And let me tell you that > >> >>> >the money the so called investors > are > >> using are Kenyan money not > >> >>> >money from foreign banks. > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>They have come and borrowed > from > >> Kenyan banks. How much does the > >> >>> >most profitable telecomms > companies leave > >> in this country, very small > >> >>> >amount. We have Telecomms > companies which > >> are on their marks. They > >> >>> >have very inferior systems and > dont > >> actually deliver in service but > >> >>> >make billions and run away with > the > >> billions. > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>Dada Lizette, we know that > there are > >> Kenyans who are white, black > >> >>> >coloured and all but know that I > am a > >> mixed race Kenyan and really > >> >>> >sad when our brotehrs have to > suffer > >> because of bad policies from > >> >>> >people like PS > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>JM > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>----- Original Message ---- > >> >>> >>From: Lizette Kraft > >> <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> > >> >>> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com > >> >>> >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions > >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> >>> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, > 2008 > >> 1:52:07 PM > >> >>> >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS > Ndemo, > >> ECONET Scandal aand Vested > >> >>> >Interests > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>Just my two pennies worth > here. > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>Kenya is not an Island that > it can > >> survive on its own even through > >> >>> >local investment. Most times we > dont have > >> the funds. I do agree > >> >>> >though about the Government and > banks not > >> supporting local investors > >> >>> >with loans etc. They must start > giving > >> them the opportunity to setup > >> >>> >local expertise and turn them in > money > >> making ventures, if only they > >> >>> >wouldn't fleece their own > companies. > >> Even America, the giant needs > >> >>> >investors!!! You all have a valid > point > >> but use it for the best > >> >>> >interests of Kenya and its people > first > >> and foremost. Not just self > >> >>> >interest for the few. And by the > way > >> Kenyans come in all shapes, > >> >>> >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So > please > >> don't generalise who is kenyan > >> >>> >and who is not!!! Kencall > directors and > >> owners are Kenyan and not > >> >>> >outsiders if I understand > correctly. When > >> we are taxed whether > >> >>> >individually or coorporately, the > money is > >> used for Kenya and Kenyans > >> >>> >and not for outsiders who > invested! > >> Forcing local partnership in > >> >>> >foreign owned companies has > >> >>> >> its negative and positive > effects. > >> >>> >>This needs to be look at more > >> seriously to make it a win-win > >> >>> >situation. It has been known in > the past > >> that foreign investors with > >> >>> >forced local partnership have > been > >> subjected to threats and > >> >>> >intimidation by the local > partners when > >> they wanted more than their > >> >>> >fare share, (given to them mind > you). Thus > >> the weariness o > >> >>> >>of being forced now. This > does not > >> attract any investor. But the > >> >>> >foreigners should not fleece the > country > >> either! > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>Let us have some constructive > >> critisism without being racially > >> >>> >inclined. Fight to make things > right no > >> matter what but without > >> >>> >pinpointing nationalities or > colours of > >> people. > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina > >> <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: > >> >>> > >> > >>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 > >> >>> >> > >> >>> > >> > >>_______________________________________________ > >> >>> >>kictanet mailing list > >> >>> >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> >>> > >> > >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>This message was sent to: > >> lfkraft(a)gmail.com > >> >>> >>Unsubscribe or change your > options at > >> >>> > >> > >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail. > >> >>> >com > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >>-- > >> >>> >>Lizette Kraft > >> >>> >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 > >> >>> >>Nairobi, Kenya > >> >>> >>Cell: 0722-800362 > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> >> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> >>> kictanet mailing list > >> >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> >>> > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> >>> > >> >>> This message was sent to: > jmanthi(a)gmail.com > >> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> >>> > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmail.com > >> >>> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> -- > >> >> Joseph Manthi > >> >> CEO > >> >> MEO Ltd > >> >> http://www.meoltd.com > >> >> > >> > > >> > -- > >> > Sent from my mobile device > >> > > >> > Made in Kenya Network > >> > Apt. B-8, Elite Park > >> > Ole Odume Road > >> > P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 > >> > Nairobi. Kenya > >> > Tel: +254-20-3590451 > >> > Cel: +254-722-811171 > >> > Cel: +254-735-370840 > >> > www.madeinkenya.org > >> > > >> > http://www.bungesms.com > >> > > >> > > _______________________________________________ > >> > kictanet mailing list > >> > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > > >> > This message was sent to: > gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com > >> > Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/gachuhi.anthony%40gmai… > >> > > >> > >> -- > >> Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? 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1 0

Re: [kictanet] What should the Investment Policy Be?
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 17 Oct '08

17 Oct '08

Walu, Asante for setting the stage for policy discussions on FDI as relates to ICT policy. First and foremost, it is important to offer views as to some of the real causes of local investors failing to meet capital requirements. The points on this need not be belaboured. I believe we are making a scapegoat out of the wrong parties in order to punish other legitimate local investors through arbitrary changes in investment policies. In all the mentioned cases of capital issues, it is quite clear it was the duty of the regulator to conduct due diligence on the bidding consortia financial capacities. Had the regulator conducted this duty, we would not have had bidding entities that were near bankruptcy or in virtual bankruptcy itself sailing past the pre qualification stage and somehow beating industry giants with trillions (not billions) of shillings in turnover complete with their international experience and expertise in operations including in Uganda, Tanzania and tens of other countries, and then failing to pay for licence fees for years as they use the licence as an "asset" to shop for funding to pay for it. It is a rather simple matter to conclude that if one has Ksh 100, in the bank that one cannot afford to write a check for Ksh 10000. This is why we should stop blaming local investors as a group and focus on these repeated failures to conduct due diligence. The insolvency of one such member of a consortium that last bid in the last major tender points to a complete failure in due diligence. Secondly inept and poor tendering procedures have led to credible international investors ditching Kenya. This results in bidding entities that lack the type of financials any major bank would be happy to work with. Why would international bidders who have succeeded across Africa and in our neighbouring countries keep being disqualified on suspect reasons while relatively unknown and untested non performers sail through with high marks only to disappoint? Why should bidders keep spending anywhere from US$500,000 to US$1m or more bidding when its indisputable that they are amongst the best in the world only for novices and unknowns in the industry to score so highly then fail to deliver to Kenyans for years on end? Even if the local investors had healthy financials, by virtue of being co-shareholders with international entities that no bank is eager to touch, they are as good as sunk when it comes to obtaining funding for capital intensive projects. We seem to quickly forget that when investment policy demanded 40% equity holding by local shareholders, it did not deter Vodafone and Vivendi from coming to Kenya with 60% stakes. If the opportunities are there, there will always be takers as long as one is assured of fair play in the process. Confidence once dented is a difficult thing to rebuild. The failure by the regulator to conduct due diligence and failures in tendering process are scaring away the type of international operators whose name recognition alone would be sufficient for local investors to walk into banks and obtain funding for their capital contributions. Take the findings for instance from the then named Public Procurement Complaints Review and Appeals Board in regards to the first SNO tender. "Taking into account the critical failure in evaluation by CCK and also the interference in the tender process and disclosure of information by CCK, we find that the procurement process has been seriously flawed and compromised," the board concluded. or An article in the Sunday Standard, "How Broke Company Won Tender", September 18 2005, citing KACC officials investigating the matter of the 3rd mobile licence tender before investigations were prematurely and suddenly interrupted by certain interests: "Initial investigations by the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission into the award of the license in 2003 show that two of the major shareholders in consortium were had financial difficulties at the time of the award. ... With the other partners not being financially stable, the consortium fell short of the minimum financial requirements by well over $80 million." Why is it that KACC is able to see what the regulator apparently did not see or realise? For these and other reasons we cannot continue to solely blame the vast majority of local investors. We must place blame failure on the lack of financial due diligence and failed tendering procedures that instead attract the types of international investors that banks would not feel comfortable dealing with due to their lack of a lengthy track record and weak financials that don't suit capital intensive projects. So let us look at the root causes, not the symptoms and tackle those root causes instead, majority of which lie within our institutions to resolve the problems. Foreigners while welcome to invest in Kenya should not be thought of as the number one solution when the problems that cause local investors problems lie within institutions and policies. That said views on FDI per ICT policies will be forthcoming separately. Peterson On Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:37:09 +0000 John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >Hey Folks, > >I have lurked in the background for a while and like Wainaina I >got a bit lost in the exchanges. But I think one fundamental >thread in all this - despite the muddy exchanges - is the question >of how do want to engage with Foreign Investors? JM and others >may have a point here - despite their strong language. > >So maybe to bring benefit out of all these, we could indulge for a >day or two on the Policy we want as far as Foreign Direct >Investments (FDI) into our ICT industry are concerned. > >Correct me if am wrong but I believe the Government >position/policy on this has been that the Foreign investor MUST >incorporate a local investor at minimum ratio 20%(local) to >80%(foreign) ownership/equity. I think the members who feel that >this should be changed have cases/examples where the local >equity/investor failed to come up with their 20% capital and so >the opportunity for investment disappears. On the other hand, >other members feel that local investors are abundantly rich and >can come up with even over 50% of any capital/equity required to >invest in the industry. > >I honestly dont know which side is right and which one is wrong - >but what I do know is that there exists cases where the local >investors have failed to meet their capital requirements - hence >the need to review or interrogate whether this policy is >detrimental or indeed beneficial to our industry. > >Plse lets have objective comments that are devoid of personal >attacks and we shall make progress. Otherwise we begin to sound >like a broken record. > >walu. > > > > > > >--- On Thu, 10/16/08, gachuhi anthony <gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> From: gachuhi anthony <gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >Interests >> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" ><kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008, 8:16 AM >> Moderator >> Is there a way off having an online poll to know where we >> stand maybe >> from there we may be able to know who is for or against the >> policies >> being discussed. >> Then we can give reasons as I don't think this a list >> to decide who is >> more kenyan than the other its about what will affect us >> all >> Tony >> >> >> >> On 10/16/08, Wainaina Mungai >> <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: >> > Dear all, >> > >> > What is the desired outcome of this very energised >> thread? (Select one) >> > >> > A: That the PS (I&C) announce that policies shall >> be developed in an >> > open, transparent and consultative manner. He also >> must organise a >> > forum to kickstart non-emotive talks by mid-November. >> > >> > B: That PS Ndemo resigns and is replaced with a person >> of your choice. >> > >> > C: That the Econet licence, Kencall licence and >> related MoUs, >> > contracts signed by PS (I&C) be cancelled. >> > >> > D: That all stakeholders Govt., KICTANET, KIF, CA, etc >> organise an >> > "ICT Investment" policy forum to be held in >> Nairobi around mid- >> > November 2008. >> > >> > I hope this shall help us focus on defining and >> achieving a common >> > goal so that we desist from personal attacks on >> integrity, racial >> > profiling and so on... >> > >> > Good day, >> > Wainaina >> > >> > On 10/16/08, Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >> >> Edith,There are some useful lessons - but these >> lessons do not include: >> >> >> >> 1. How to give away your national treasures - like >> bandwidth - to foreign >> >> entities just because they say they can not do any >> business with local >> >> entrepreneurs. In fact I know this for a fact, you >> would never get a >> >> license >> >> to operate in UAE if this was your argument. >> Further to this lesson I >> >> would >> >> like to point to these additional countries that >> would laugh you out of >> >> town >> >> if you made that argument - US (some businesses >> like Airline, Military and >> >> Defense, Telecommunications (not ISP), Radio & >> TV), India, Singapore, >> >> Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the whole of >> Middle East, South >> >> Africa, >> >> Japan (especially Japan) >> >> >> >> 2. How not be conned. Kenya seems to heading there >> with its eyes opened. >> >> When a man approaches a woman, it would be a very >> stupid woman, who >> >> knowing >> >> what a man is capable of, to accept the BS that >> the man is feeding her. >> >> And >> >> if she does then she deserves what she gets. Kenya >> will get what it >> >> deserves >> >> and very soon. A good example is Russia and its >> oligarchs - all members of >> >> the Forbes Richest. >> >> >> >> 3. Great leadership is necessary to grow a >> country. A leadership with >> >> intestinal fortitude to say no under pressure. Top >> to bottom, >> >> >> >> 4. That the local mwananchi can invest in their >> own country and manage its >> >> growth >> >> >> >> 5. That a great nation looks upon its diaspora to >> grow it - a la Israel >> >> and >> >> India >> >> >> >> 6. That a great nation does not wait to be raped >> twice - We seem to be >> >> following a process that will guarantee our raping >> despite how Kenyan some >> >> members of this committee think they are. Its just >> a matter of time before >> >> they pick up their bags and leave. I really do not >> think that as a >> >> national >> >> planner I should be putting my eggs in that >> basket. >> >> >> >> Joe >> >> >> >> On Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM, >> <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> wrote: >> >> >> >>> Anyone has taken the time to thoroughly study >> the secret behind >> >>> Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E in >> general). There are some useful >> >>> lessons! >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> > >> >>> >---- Original Message ---- >> >>> >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com >> >>> >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >> >>> >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, >> ECONET Scandal aand Vested >> >>> >Interests >> >>> >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 -0700 >> (PDT) >> >>> > >> >>> >>Lizette >> >>> >> >> >>> >>I think that you have racially >> inclined your mind. >> >>> >> >> >>> >>When did KENCALL directors become >> Kenyans? After getting good >> >>> >friends to bribe their way to this >> country. And let me tell you that >> >>> >the money the so called investors are >> using are Kenyan money not >> >>> >money from foreign banks. >> >>> >> >> >>> >>They have come and borrowed from >> Kenyan banks. How much does the >> >>> >most profitable telecomms companies leave >> in this country, very small >> >>> >amount. We have Telecomms companies which >> are on their marks. They >> >>> >have very inferior systems and dont >> actually deliver in service but >> >>> >make billions and run away with the >> billions. >> >>> >> >> >>> >>Dada Lizette, we know that there are >> Kenyans who are white, black >> >>> >coloured and all but know that I am a >> mixed race Kenyan and really >> >>> >sad when our brotehrs have to suffer >> because of bad policies from >> >>> >people like PS >> >>> >> >> >>> >>JM >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >>----- Original Message ---- >> >>> >>From: Lizette Kraft >> <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> >> >>> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >> >>> >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> >>> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 >> 1:52:07 PM >> >>> >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, >> ECONET Scandal aand Vested >> >>> >Interests >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >>Just my two pennies worth here. >> >>> >> >> >>> >>Kenya is not an Island that it can >> survive on its own even through >> >>> >local investment. Most times we dont have >> the funds. I do agree >> >>> >though about the Government and banks not >> supporting local investors >> >>> >with loans etc. They must start giving >> them the opportunity to setup >> >>> >local expertise and turn them in money >> making ventures, if only they >> >>> >wouldn't fleece their own companies. >> Even America, the giant needs >> >>> >investors!!! You all have a valid point >> but use it for the best >> >>> >interests of Kenya and its people first >> and foremost. Not just self >> >>> >interest for the few. And by the way >> Kenyans come in all shapes, >> >>> >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So please >> don't generalise who is kenyan >> >>> >and who is not!!! Kencall directors and >> owners are Kenyan and not >> >>> >outsiders if I understand correctly. When >> we are taxed whether >> >>> >individually or coorporately, the money is >> used for Kenya and Kenyans >> >>> >and not for outsiders who invested! >> Forcing local partnership in >> >>> >foreign owned companies has >> >>> >> its negative and positive effects. >> >>> >>This needs to be look at more >> seriously to make it a win-win >> >>> >situation. It has been known in the past >> that foreign investors with >> >>> >forced local partnership have been >> subjected to threats and >> >>> >intimidation by the local partners when >> they wanted more than their >> >>> >fare share, (given to them mind you). Thus >> the weariness o >> >>> >>of being forced now. This does not >> attract any investor. But the >> >>> >foreigners should not fleece the country >> either! >> >>> >> >> >>> >>Let us have some constructive >> critisism without being racially >> >>> >inclined. Fight to make things right no >> matter what but without >> >>> >pinpointing nationalities or colours of >> people. >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina >> <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >> >>> >> >>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >>_______________________________________________ >> >>> >>kictanet mailing list >> >>> >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> >>> >> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >>> >> >> >>> >>This message was sent to: >> lfkraft(a)gmail.com >> >>> >>Unsubscribe or change your options at >> >>> >> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gma >il. >> >>> >com >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >>-- >> >>> >>Lizette Kraft >> >>> >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 >> >>> >>Nairobi, Kenya >> >>> >>Cell: 0722-800362 >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> >>> kictanet mailing list >> >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> >>> >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >>> >> >>> This message was sent to: jmanthi(a)gmail.com >> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> >>> >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmai >l.com >> >>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Joseph Manthi >> >> CEO >> >> MEO Ltd >> >> http://www.meoltd.com >> >> >> > >> > -- >> > Sent from my mobile device >> > >> > Made in Kenya Network >> > Apt. B-8, Elite Park >> > Ole Odume Road >> > P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 >> > Nairobi. Kenya >> > Tel: +254-20-3590451 >> > Cel: +254-722-811171 >> > Cel: +254-735-370840 >> > www.madeinkenya.org >> > >> > http://www.bungesms.com >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > kictanet mailing list >> > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> > >> > This message was sent to: gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com >> > Unsubscribe or change your options at >> > >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/gachuhi.anthon >y%40gmail.com >> > >> >> -- >> Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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: mwananchi(a)hushmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwananchi%40hu >shmail.com -- Click here for free information on how to reduce your debt by filing for bankruptcy. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4elLzQmCONnCaK286MVblIR30PBBcRba4a4pkA…

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by eadera＠idrc.or.ke 17 Oct '08

17 Oct '08

Anyone has taken the time to thoroughly study the secret behind Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E in general). There are some useful lessons! > > > >---- Original Message ---- >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >Interests >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 -0700 (PDT) > >>Lizette >> >>I think that you have racially inclined your mind. >> >>When did KENCALL directors become Kenyans? After getting good >friends to bribe their way to this country. And let me tell you that >the money the so called investors are using are Kenyan money not >money from foreign banks. >> >>They have come and borrowed from Kenyan banks. How much does the >most profitable telecomms companies leave in this country, very small >amount. We have Telecomms companies which are on their marks. They >have very inferior systems and dont actually deliver in service but >make billions and run away with the billions. >> >>Dada Lizette, we know that there are Kenyans who are white, black >coloured and all but know that I am a mixed race Kenyan and really >sad when our brotehrs have to suffer because of bad policies from >people like PS >> >>JM >> >> >> >>----- Original Message ---- >>From: Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:52:07 PM >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >Interests >> >> >>Just my two pennies worth here. >> >>Kenya is not an Island that it can survive on its own even through >local investment. Most times we dont have the funds. I do agree >though about the Government and banks not supporting local investors >with loans etc. They must start giving them the opportunity to setup >local expertise and turn them in money making ventures, if only they >wouldn't fleece their own companies. Even America, the giant needs >investors!!! You all have a valid point but use it for the best >interests of Kenya and its people first and foremost. Not just self >interest for the few. And by the way Kenyans come in all shapes, >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So please don't generalise who is kenyan >and who is not!!! Kencall directors and owners are Kenyan and not >outsiders if I understand correctly. When we are taxed whether >individually or coorporately, the money is used for Kenya and Kenyans >and not for outsiders who invested! Forcing local partnership in >foreign owned companies has >> its negative and positive effects. >>This needs to be look at more seriously to make it a win-win >situation. It has been known in the past that foreign investors with >forced local partnership have been subjected to threats and >intimidation by the local partners when they wanted more than their >fare share, (given to them mind you). Thus the weariness o >>of being forced now. This does not attract any investor. But the >foreigners should not fleece the country either! >> >>Let us have some constructive critisism without being racially >inclined. Fight to make things right no matter what but without >pinpointing nationalities or colours of people. >> >> >> >> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 >> >>_______________________________________________ >>kictanet mailing list >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >>This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com >>Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail. >com >> >> >> >> >>-- >>Lizette Kraft >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 >>Nairobi, Kenya >>Cell: 0722-800362 >> >> >>

7 6

MAKE ICTs WORK FOR DEVELOPMENT - STAND UP NOW, TAKE ACTION TODAY!
by Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro 17 Oct '08

17 Oct '08

Poverty affects us all ‘Today is the UN’s official World Poverty Day. But every day is poverty day for the two billion people worldwide who have less than two dollars a day to live on. Of those, just under one billion live on just one dollar a day. In September 2000, 189 countries pledged to halve the number of those in poverty by 2015. When we look at the results so far, hope mixes with despair. Over 100 million children are still unable to go to school. Each year, 10 million children die before their 5th birthday. 40 million are living with HIV and AIDS, and 5 million die of it each year.’17th Oct 2004 Hilary Benn, UK Secretary of State for International Development Today, nearly half of the world’s people live in poverty, 70% are women. 50,000 people still die daily as a result of extreme poverty, and yet …..we have the power to change this. www.standagainstpoverty.org Last year, 43.7 million people around the world took part in the biggest global mobilization to end poverty and inequality, and to promote the Millennium Development Goals. This year, at a time of global financial crises and food shortages, more than ever we need to ACT together in order to send an even stronger message to push world leaders for more and better aid, debt cancellation, education for all, healthcare, trade justice, gender equality, public accountability and an end to extreme poverty by 2015. As the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty unfolds across the world we’re hoping to mobilize 1% of the global population - over 67 million people around the world to STAND UP and TAKE ACTION [17th - 19th Oct] against Poverty for the MDGs. Your actions count! 1. Tell your MP what you think: send SMS messages to the number 3454 with the word STAND UP. 2. Attend Global Gatherings: a series of parallel IYPF events held in over 30 different countries focused on mobilizing and engaging young professionals in activities and processes that are holding governments and leaders accountable and contributing to the achievement of the MDGs. www.iypf.org 3. Join Virtual Stand Up: log in from October 17th to 19th and interact with the world on MDGs; build a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world. Facebook IYPF StandUp Global Gathering www.iypf.org We have the power and an obligation to make ICTs work for development! STAND UP NOW, TAKE ACTION TODAY, Make Poverty History! Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro Director, Chair FWG International Young Professionals Foundation constancewalyaro(a)iypf.org www.iypf.org Wainaina P. Mungai Make in Kenya Network wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org www.madeinkenya.org StandUp is an initiative of the Make Poverty History and Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) campaigns. IYPF is a GCAP Global Mobilization Partner. www.makepovertyhistory.org Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

3 2

Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by eadera＠idrc.or.ke 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Joe, UAE is an example of managed FDI that enhances economic growth while ensuring direct benefits for its local investors and citizens. They create incentives for international investors (and local investors too), but manage it to ensure direct local benefits that is largely skewed to local beneficiaries. In some cases, it's abit extreme (and encourages absentee/ghost investors), but in general ensures locals benefit. what would be helpful here is drawing on FDI research and best practice policies in this area to inform our debate and keep it civil. I believe KICTANET or other parties can support an exercise to quickly collate such knowledge to inform our discourse. I'm sure such body of knowledge exists. Edith > > > >---- Original Message ---- >From: jmanthi(a)gmail.com >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >Interests >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:13:16 -0500 > >>Edith,There are some useful lessons - but these lessons do not >include: >> >>1. How to give away your national treasures - like bandwidth - to >foreign >>entities just because they say they can not do any business with >local >>entrepreneurs. In fact I know this for a fact, you would never get a >license >>to operate in UAE if this was your argument. Further to this lesson >I would >>like to point to these additional countries that would laugh you out >of town >>if you made that argument - US (some businesses like Airline, >Military and >>Defense, Telecommunications (not ISP), Radio & TV), India, >Singapore, >>Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the whole of Middle East, South >Africa, >>Japan (especially Japan) >> >>2. How not be conned. Kenya seems to heading there with its eyes >opened. >>When a man approaches a woman, it would be a very stupid woman, who >knowing >>what a man is capable of, to accept the BS that the man is feeding >her. And >>if she does then she deserves what she gets. Kenya will get what it >deserves >>and very soon. A good example is Russia and its oligarchs - all >members of >>the Forbes Richest. >> >>3. Great leadership is necessary to grow a country. A leadership >with >>intestinal fortitude to say no under pressure. Top to bottom, >> >>4. That the local mwananchi can invest in their own country and >manage its >>growth >> >>5. That a great nation looks upon its diaspora to grow it - a la >Israel and >>India >> >>6. That a great nation does not wait to be raped twice - We seem to >be >>following a process that will guarantee our raping despite how >Kenyan some >>members of this committee think they are. Its just a matter of time >before >>they pick up their bags and leave. I really do not think that as a >national >>planner I should be putting my eggs in that basket. >> >>Joe >> >>On Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM, <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> wrote: >> >>> Anyone has taken the time to thoroughly study the secret behind >>> Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E in general). There are some >useful >>> lessons! >>> >>> >>> > >>> >---- Original Message ---- >>> >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>> >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >>> >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand >Vested >>> >Interests >>> >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 -0700 (PDT) >>> > >>> >>Lizette >>> >> >>> >>I think that you have racially inclined your mind. >>> >> >>> >>When did KENCALL directors become Kenyans? After getting good >>> >friends to bribe their way to this country. And let me tell you >that >>> >the money the so called investors are using are Kenyan money not >>> >money from foreign banks. >>> >> >>> >>They have come and borrowed from Kenyan banks. How much does the >>> >most profitable telecomms companies leave in this country, very >small >>> >amount. We have Telecomms companies which are on their marks. >They >>> >have very inferior systems and dont actually deliver in service >but >>> >make billions and run away with the billions. >>> >> >>> >>Dada Lizette, we know that there are Kenyans who are white, >black >>> >coloured and all but know that I am a mixed race Kenyan and >really >>> >sad when our brotehrs have to suffer because of bad policies from >>> >people like PS >>> >> >>> >>JM >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>----- Original Message ---- >>> >>From: Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> >>> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>> >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions ><kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:52:07 PM >>> >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >>> >Interests >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>Just my two pennies worth here. >>> >> >>> >>Kenya is not an Island that it can survive on its own even >through >>> >local investment. Most times we dont have the funds. I do agree >>> >though about the Government and banks not supporting local >investors >>> >with loans etc. They must start giving them the opportunity to >setup >>> >local expertise and turn them in money making ventures, if only >they >>> >wouldn't fleece their own companies. Even America, the giant >needs >>> >investors!!! You all have a valid point but use it for the best >>> >interests of Kenya and its people first and foremost. Not just >self >>> >interest for the few. And by the way Kenyans come in all shapes, >>> >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So please don't generalise who is >kenyan >>> >and who is not!!! Kencall directors and owners are Kenyan and >not >>> >outsiders if I understand correctly. When we are taxed whether >>> >individually or coorporately, the money is used for Kenya and >Kenyans >>> >and not for outsiders who invested! Forcing local partnership in >>> >foreign owned companies has >>> >> its negative and positive effects. >>> >>This needs to be look at more seriously to make it a win-win >>> >situation. It has been known in the past that foreign investors >with >>> >forced local partnership have been subjected to threats and >>> >intimidation by the local partners when they wanted more than >their >>> >fare share, (given to them mind you). Thus the weariness o >>> >>of being forced now. This does not attract any investor. But the >>> >foreigners should not fleece the country either! >>> >> >>> >>Let us have some constructive critisism without being racially >>> >inclined. Fight to make things right no matter what but without >>> >pinpointing nationalities or colours of people. >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >>> >>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 >>> >> >>> >>_______________________________________________ >>> >>kictanet mailing list >>> >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >> >>> >>This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com >>> >>Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail >. >>> >com >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>-- >>> >>Lizette Kraft >>> >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 >>> >>Nairobi, Kenya >>> >>Cell: 0722-800362 >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: jmanthi(a)gmail.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmail. >com >>> >> >> >> >>-- >>Joseph Manthi >>CEO >>MEO Ltd >>http://www.meoltd.com >>

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Nick Do you want coffee because I have said I am mixed race or ndugu you want to be honest? JM ----- Original Message ---- From: "nnesbitt(a)kencall.com" <nnesbitt(a)kencall.com> To: John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com>; kictanet-bounces+nnesbitt=kencall.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 1:14:41 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests John, John, John If you would like to meet a family that embodies what it means to be Kenyan, let's have a coffee sometime and I will introduce you to a few generations of my family... Come get to know me. Karibu. Nik Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 To: <nnesbitt(a)kencall.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: nnesbitt(a)kencall.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/nnesbitt%40kencall.com

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Edith One of the lessons is not locking outt locals. Its infact involving the locals like nobody has ever imagine JM ----- Original Message ---- From: "eadera(a)idrc.or.ke" <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com; eadera(a)idrc.or.ke Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 12:55:30 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests Anyone has taken the time to thoroughly study the secret behind Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E in general). There are some useful lessons! > > > >---- Original Message ---- >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >Interests >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 -0700 (PDT) > >>Lizette >> >>I think that you have racially inclined your mind. >> >>When did KENCALL directors become Kenyans? After getting good >friends to bribe their way to this country. And let me tell you that >the money the so called investors are using are Kenyan money not >money from foreign banks. >> >>They have come and borrowed from Kenyan banks. How much does the >most profitable telecomms companies leave in this country, very small >amount. We have Telecomms companies which are on their marks. They >have very inferior systems and dont actually deliver in service but >make billions and run away with the billions. >> >>Dada Lizette, we know that there are Kenyans who are white, black >coloured and all but know that I am a mixed race Kenyan and really >sad when our brotehrs have to suffer because of bad policies from >people like PS >> >>JM >> >> >> >>----- Original Message ---- >>From: Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:52:07 PM >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested >Interests >> >> >>Just my two pennies worth here. >> >>Kenya is not an Island that it can survive on its own even through >local investment. Most times we dont have the funds. I do agree >though about the Government and banks not supporting local investors >with loans etc. They must start giving them the opportunity to setup >local expertise and turn them in money making ventures, if only they >wouldn't fleece their own companies. Even America, the giant needs >investors!!! You all have a valid point but use it for the best >interests of Kenya and its people first and foremost. Not just self >interest for the few. And by the way Kenyans come in all shapes, >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So please don't generalise who is kenyan >and who is not!!! Kencall directors and owners are Kenyan and not >outsiders if I understand correctly. When we are taxed whether >individually or coorporately, the money is used for Kenya and Kenyans >and not for outsiders who invested! Forcing local partnership in >foreign owned companies has >> its negative and positive effects. >>This needs to be look at more seriously to make it a win-win >situation. It has been known in the past that foreign investors with >forced local partnership have been subjected to threats and >intimidation by the local partners when they wanted more than their >fare share, (given to them mind you). Thus the weariness o >>of being forced now. This does not attract any investor. But the >foreigners should not fleece the country either! >> >>Let us have some constructive critisism without being racially >inclined. Fight to make things right no matter what but without >pinpointing nationalities or colours of people. >> >> >> >> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 >> >>_______________________________________________ >>kictanet mailing list >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >>This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com >>Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail. >com >> >> >> >> >>-- >>Lizette Kraft >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 >>Nairobi, Kenya >>Cell: 0722-800362 >> >> >>

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors - From Ugandan
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

JM, Only those who dislike other Kenyans would try to propagate such as part of an attempt to make your points of accountability and transparency irrelevant. We have seen some of their true colours come out through their actions. It is important that these matters come to the surface, they cannot be wishfully drowned. Ndugu yesterday there was an article about the problems PS Ndemo and others are ignoring while rushing to bring in foreigners. If they cannot see these as the signs of a larger juggernaut of what ails us in progressing to indigenous equity and wealth generation then it is time perhaps they accepted that policy making in the interests of Kenyans needs to be in more capable hands. We call on PS Ndemo to work with his counterparts in government to correct these problems ailing Kenyans before rushing to embrace foreigners as a "solution". Peterson Banks giving youth a raw deal Published on 15/10/2008 Politicians and the Government have failed to address the youth agenda. It seems like when the sun starts shinning on our politicians or when they get what they want, the youth are shoved aside. For a long time now, the youth agenda has not been addressed, with youth forced to fend for themselves. Critical issues affecting them are never addressed. Last year’s effort by the Government to introduce the youth fund was noble, but it got hijacked by profit hungry banks. The banks’ stringent measures and loan qualification requirements were unfriendly and discouraging. Why did the Government set up a youth fund without strict rules to govern it? http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?&id=1143997024&catid=17&a=1 On Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:58:14 +0000 John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >Peterson > >And I think these people mistake me with someone in the diaspora. >I live and work in Kenya and purely live on my own business which >has passed alot and been featured as one of the most innovative >businesses around. > >So Alex, guess which one it is and tell me about yours > >JM > > > >----- Original Message ---- >From: "mwananchi(a)hushmail.com" <mwananchi(a)hushmail.com> >To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions ><kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:10:41 PM >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms >investors - From Ugandan > >Gichuru, > >Prior to asking your question you doubted whether Kenyans engaged >in holding a public servant to transparently account, actually >worked, actually resided in Kenya, actually contributed to >economic >growth and were only complainants incapable of creating effective >change. In doing so, I believe you answered your own question >before you had a chance to ask it. One can only conclude that your > >call for stories is not sincere. > >Promoting veiled stereotypes, while suggesting that Kenyans who >live in Kenya cannot stand up for their rights, will not detract >non-elitist Kenyans from ensuring that public servants accountably > >engage in service delivery to the Kenyan people. The suggestion >that people are layabouts who wake up one day and raise an issue >that does not affect them in anyway should be consigned to the >proper dustbin. Thank you. > >Peterson > >On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:17:05 +0000 gichuru(a)gmail.com wrote: >>I keep asking myself , how much change can you effect by >>complaining >>and criticizing the ones who are actually working? How many of >you >>criticizing the PS and other government initiative are in Kenya >>contributing to the economic growth? How many have tried running >a >>business in this country in the last 10 years and can testify to >>growth? >> >>I am not saying more cant be done, but appreciate what has been >>done..... But if you really have something to say a burning >desire >>to >>share, dont talk about the KLM story, KQ Story, we already know >>about >>them, lets hear about your story.. what are you doing or have you >>done? Lets judge for ourselves if you can deliver given a >>chance.... >> >> >> >>On 10/14/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >>> Kenyans and other Africans, >>> >>> Yes, I agree. We have the money. But we need to organize to >stop >>> the hemorrhage of our resources. This is our moment to make our > >>voices >>> heard about our countries' economic sovereignty. What many of >>our >>> leaders are doing giving away our tangible and intangible >assets >>> is treasonous and inexcusable. >>> >>> In Uganda, my country, the president, his family and their >>lackeys >>> have turned themselves into a veritable mafia of commission >>agents >>> carrying water for all sorts of foreign interests. They >proclaim >>from >>> the rooftops how indigenous Ugandans are too poor and dumb to >>own and >>> manage businesses. Yet, there is plenty of evidence to the >>contrary. >>> Some of that evidence points to how foreigners, including South > >>Asians >>> who arrive in the country with only the shirts on their backs, >>are >>> provided with multi-million dollar loans/grants to finance pet >>> enterprises. Ugandans can only dream of such largesse. >>Understandably, >>> many of those foreign "investors" take the money -- pausing >only >>long >>> enough to wreck the business -- and run. A good example is >>Tristar, a >>> textile firm that government set up as a showcase of a >>successful >>> Africa Growth Opportunity Act inspired business, was handd on a > >>silver >>> platter to a pair of Sri Lankan briefcase businessmen with a >>$2.5 >>> million loan from the state-owned Uganda Development bank. >Their >>only >>> qualification was that they were "Indian", a nationality that >>Museveni >>> equates with a natural entrepreneurship. >>> >>> In addition to the free business and loan, the conmen were >>> vigorously and publicly supported by the President's office in >>> exploiting an all-female workforce (including sexually), >>recruited >>> deliberately from rural Uganda and kept in apartheid-era like >>hostels, >>> ostensibly because they would be too docile to rebel against >>their poor >>> working conditions. A parliamentary investigation was sparked >>when the >>> "Agoa girls," as the workers were patronizingly called, >>organized and >>> downed their tools. That's when the sordid details of the sorry > >>venture >>> emerged. >>> >>> The adage that "if you want to look for traitors, start at the >>> top" is all too true for our countries. With leaders such as >>these (and >>> silent lambs as us), is it any wonder that nearly every race >>holds us >>> in contempt and reaps fortunes out of our losses! >>> >>> Vukoni >>> >>> >>> -------- Original Message -------- >>> Subject: [DigAfrica] Re: [africa-oped] Fwd: Re: [picta-kenya] >>Re: Kenya >>> opens door to foreign telecoms investors >>> >>> - Show quoted text - >>> From: "Robert Alai" <alai.robert(a)gmail.com> >>> Date: Mon, October 13, 2008 10:34 am >>> To: digafrica(a)yahoogroups.com, picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com >>> >>> >>> - Show quoted text - >>> >>> Matunda >>> >>> Kenyans have the money. >>> >>> France >>> Telekoms came to Kenya and bought Telkom Kenya but is being >>supported >>> by the Kenyan government. It doesnt have money upto now. >>> >>> Kencall >>> and all these foreigners claiming that Kenyans have no money >>came and >>> borrowed in Kenyan banks. Tell me which foreigners brought >their >>own >>> money. Including Safaricom which went to the NSE and put up a >>bond. >>> >>> Lets >>> not be cheated. Matunda, me and you and all people in Dig >Afrika >>and >>> PICTA wont have the opportunity to set up our ICT companies if >>Dr Ndemo >>> is allowed to go ahead. We must insist on local partnership and > >>its not >>> something we should be begging for. We must insist on it >>> >>> Regards >>> Alai >>> >>> - Show quoted text - >>> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 5:34 PM, nmatunda <matunda(a)hotmail.com> > >>wrote: >>> >>> - Show quoted text - >>> >>> --- In picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com, "Mike Theuri" >><mi.ke.the.u.r.i@...> >>> wrote: >>> >>> >>> Matunda, >>> >>> I concur with your views and completely agree with the way the >>> Canadian banking industry has weathered the financial storm. >>During a >>> brief visit to Canada I noted that there were 5 major Canadian >>banks >>> and one major international institution (Europe's largest >>institution >>> by way of assets) operating in Canada. According to the WEF: >>"Canada >>> has the world's soundest banking system, according to a more >>recent >>> report released by the World Economic Forum. Canada's banks >>received a >>> score of 6.8 out of possible seven, ahead of the banks of five >>other >>> countries which received a score of 6.7 per cent." We are now >>seeing >>> the US rushing to regulate the banking sector and even going as > >>far as >>> taking ownership stakes in both US and foreign banks because >>Americans >>> interest and not that of foreigners is at stake. There are >>lessons to >>> be learned from this about the consequences of unplanned >>deregulation >>> ie ownership, operational etc in sectors key to the economy. >>> >>> That said we must closely focus on the issue of Kenya and the >>PS' >>> plan to invite foreigners with no conditions on local >ownership. >>My >>> original posting on this issue covered a number of varied >>issues, >>> it appears the discussion has taken on a life of its own after >>it was >>> shared on other forums and has morphed into a protracted battle > >>between >>> pro-PS types engaged in a concerted effort to silence the issue > >>and >>> individuals who despite their rather harsh and tough ways of >>getting >>> the point across raise valid points that are apparently >>unpalatable for >>> some. >>> >>> On Saturday, I received a message from an individual whom I >>shall >>> not name who has gotten rather cosy with the PS of late >>suggesting that >>> certain parties were out to reignite conflict in the nation >>through the >>> revelation of the PS' plan and the resulting debates on lists >>and that >>> I should play a participatory role in "helping them" squelch >the >>> "dissent". I responded saying that the individual was digging >in >>the >>> wrong place as there were no hidden dimensions to the issue >>other than >>> the policies mentioned and that Kenyans should be free to hold >>> individuals in public office to account without interference or >>> intimidation. It was disappointing to read such a message >hinged >>> with hints to unsavoury moments in our recent history coming >>from an >>> individual who once strongly stood for freedom of expression >and >>the >>> right to information. If other individuals have seen it fit to >>raise >>> the issues outside of Picta it is indeed within their rights as > >>Kenyans. >>> >>> Unfortunately the answer to Matunda's question is that there is >>> nobody standing up for Kenyans interests on this issue, we only > >>read in >>> the media about plans to gazette following alleged >consultations >>with >>> foreign stakeholders. There is hardly ever any justification >>made and >>> when it is sought, the PS has repeatedly used isolated but not >>> precedent setting incidents such as the one I mentioned. We all > >>recall >>> the Ksh 100m tax payer funded trip the Finance Minister and the > >>PS >>> amongst other made to the western hemisphere to court Diaspora >>> investors in 2007, only to display high handedness and refusal >>to >>> answer legitimate questions seeking assurances about the >ability >>of the >>> Diaspora to invest in our own country. >>> >>> As a writer observed: >>> http://www.kenyaimagine.com/Economy/Kenya-Finance-Minister- >>courts-investors-abroad.html >>> "Next was the matter of investment, especially that of Kenyans >>> abroad. However much investment opportunities are paraded, >>investors, >>> whether Kenyan or foreign, always have the same questions about > >>the >>> local environment with regard to; bureaucratic bottlenecks, >>regulatory >>> climate, corruption, and insecurity" >>> >>> When such questions were brought up the delegation brushed them >>> aside and refused to answer them. Today, we read about Ndemo >>appearing >>> to disregard the interests of Kenyans through his proposed >>policies and >>> calling for increased foreign participation in the Kenyan >>economy. This >>> is simply wrong, why is Ndemo rushing to make conditions better > >>for >>> foreigners but not exhibiting the same level of effort for >>Kenyans to >>> have a larger stake in the economy? >>> >>> Ndemo should instead be taking on the issues his delegation >>> brushed aside when questioned by would be Kenyan investors. The > >>PS >>> should put his country (Kenya) and its citizens first and that >>means >>> working for the common interests of Kenyans. Any Kenyan who >asks >>the PS >>> or the Government to justify and explain its position on >>> such contentious proposals should be given the opportunity to >>express >>> their views, not condemned and counter attacked as seems to be >>the case >>> now on a discussion list serving industry interests. Kenyans >>should not >>> stand by idly as non-progressive proposals are quietly drafted >>and made >>> binding to Kenyans without the process being open to critique >>and >>> public input. >>> >>> Mike >>> On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 7:14 AM, nmatunda >>> >><http://../../../../post?postID=Nwl_acszxFkN4z3b2uNtU8XlfkXWMi8l7F >o >>VzSnzRChXPvqnkZb6vcvKEzgqRf67GjelW9IqJOAw> >>> wrote: >>> >>> Mike, >>> >>> I am with you 200% on this. >>> >>> Every country must always act in its self-interest; this move >by >>> the PS is deplorable and not in line with long term Kenyan >>interests, >>> especially in as a lucrative area as ICT. >>> >>> In my books, we invite foreigners for such things as (a) >>financing >>> (which by the way Kenyans have shown can be raised locally), >(b) >>> operations and management experience & knowledge transfer, (c) >>> relationships that we can leverage through any such joint >>ventures, >>> etc. Joint ventures can also cushion enterprises from predatory >>> illegalities, especially given our weak legal dispute >resolution >>> structures! Of the latter, remember when heads of state >>corporations >>> used to queue up with money bags to state house to prop up the >>Moi >>> excesses! Or when companies could be shaken down for political >>> donations at a whim! >>> >>> For me, a good (not ideal!) joint venture is one of the kind >>that >>> Kenya Airways went into with KLM, when KA had been run down by >>> politically connected individuals. KLM brought in management >and >>> operations experience, facilitated KA's access to markets and >>routes >>> that KA otherwise couldn't easily access and in the process the > >>KA >>> brand rose, as did profits and more! The investment has paid >>well for >>> Kenyans and KLM; a win-win. >>> >>> There is a lesson to be learnt from the current American >>financial >>> crisis with respect to experiences in Canada. This country has >>been >>> under pressure to deregulate its financial services sector for >>the >>> longest time. Banks have argued that they needed mergers to >>allow them >>> to compete globally; and that they needed global partners that >>would >>> help them grow and extend their reach. >>> >>> Canadian government have constantly refused mergers or the kind > >>of >>> deregulation the industry sought! Their argument: the interest >>of the >>> common person whose priority banks should be. >>> >>> Guess what? In the present crisis, Canada has come >substantially >>> well ahead of the US and others. And for what reason: they >stood >>> against unfettered deregulaion! and they stood up for the >>interest of >>> Canadians. >>> >>> I ask all yee this question: who is standing for the interest >of >>Kenyans in >>> this open invitation to exploitation? >>> >>> Dr Ndemo needs to be stopped, I am afraid! >>> >>> Unedited. >>> >>> Matunda Nyanchama >>> >>> >>> >> >> >>-- >> >>Warm Regards >>-------------------------------------- >>Sam Gichuru >>CVO >> >>Register .COM, .co.ke, .NET, .ORG, .INFO and .BIZ domain names >for >>FREE. unlimited email addresses. Business Webhosting and Internet >>Marketing services for only Kshs. 1,000 a month. >> >>Ideas Africa Limited - The Web Design and Hosting Company >>Tel : 020-221199, 230663 - Cell: 0722-730565 >>Web: www.ideasafrica.com >> >>_______________________________________________ >>kictanet mailing list >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >>This message was sent to: mwananchi(a)hushmail.com >>Unsubscribe or change your options at >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwananchi%40h >u >>shmail.com > >-- >Save hundreds on an Unsecured Loan - Click here. >http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4d88tmB31ffQ6YfI4lx9Rf7NLWb1ug >iNn2azUFjLf1hzBS4K/ > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: j.maina(a)ymail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/j.maina%40ymai >l.com -- Click for air conditioner info, reduce energy costs, affordable prices. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4dbgvjVFZ4bUCR6fShDMdauKf7s28Z7Xm4oEAC…

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Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Tony, Your suggestion is good, however should a few hundred people make a binding decision on a matter as critical as this one when it affects millions of Kenyans? The issues at hand require wide consultation, some are so serious they might have to be destined for parliament where its a matter affecting ALL Kenyans and what's on the table seems to be working more for foreigners than Kenyans. The ball ultimately is in the PS' court for his to take immediate action and start considering the views of the wider public. I'm with you on the latter point. Peterson On Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:16:22 +0000 gachuhi anthony <gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Moderator >Is there a way off having an online poll to know where we stand >maybe >from there we may be able to know who is for or against the >policies >being discussed. >Then we can give reasons as I don't think this a list to decide >who is >more kenyan than the other its about what will affect us all >Tony > > > >On 10/16/08, Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: >> Dear all, >> >> What is the desired outcome of this very energised thread? >(Select one) >> >> A: That the PS (I&C) announce that policies shall be developed >in an >> open, transparent and consultative manner. He also must organise >a >> forum to kickstart non-emotive talks by mid-November. >> >> B: That PS Ndemo resigns and is replaced with a person of your >choice. >> >> C: That the Econet licence, Kencall licence and related MoUs, >> contracts signed by PS (I&C) be cancelled. >> >> D: That all stakeholders Govt., KICTANET, KIF, CA, etc organise >an >> "ICT Investment" policy forum to be held in Nairobi around mid- >> November 2008. >> >> I hope this shall help us focus on defining and achieving a >common >> goal so that we desist from personal attacks on integrity, >racial >> profiling and so on... >> >> Good day, >> Wainaina >> >> On 10/16/08, Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> Edith,There are some useful lessons - but these lessons do not >include: >>> >>> 1. How to give away your national treasures - like bandwidth - >to foreign >>> entities just because they say they can not do any business >with local >>> entrepreneurs. In fact I know this for a fact, you would never >get a >>> license >>> to operate in UAE if this was your argument. Further to this >lesson I >>> would >>> like to point to these additional countries that would laugh >you out of >>> town >>> if you made that argument - US (some businesses like Airline, >Military and >>> Defense, Telecommunications (not ISP), Radio & TV), India, >Singapore, >>> Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the whole of Middle East, >South >>> Africa, >>> Japan (especially Japan) >>> >>> 2. How not be conned. Kenya seems to heading there with its >eyes opened. >>> When a man approaches a woman, it would be a very stupid woman, >who >>> knowing >>> what a man is capable of, to accept the BS that the man is >feeding her. >>> And >>> if she does then she deserves what she gets. Kenya will get >what it >>> deserves >>> and very soon. A good example is Russia and its oligarchs - all >members of >>> the Forbes Richest. >>> >>> 3. Great leadership is necessary to grow a country. A >leadership with >>> intestinal fortitude to say no under pressure. Top to bottom, >>> >>> 4. That the local mwananchi can invest in their own country and >manage its >>> growth >>> >>> 5. That a great nation looks upon its diaspora to grow it - a >la Israel >>> and >>> India >>> >>> 6. That a great nation does not wait to be raped twice - We >seem to be >>> following a process that will guarantee our raping despite how >Kenyan some >>> members of this committee think they are. Its just a matter of >time before >>> they pick up their bags and leave. I really do not think that >as a >>> national >>> planner I should be putting my eggs in that basket. >>> >>> Joe >>> >>> On Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM, <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> wrote: >>> >>>> Anyone has taken the time to thoroughly study the secret >behind >>>> Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E in general). There are some >useful >>>> lessons! >>>> >>>> >>>> > >>>> >---- Original Message ---- >>>> >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>>> >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >>>> >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand >Vested >>>> >Interests >>>> >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 -0700 (PDT) >>>> > >>>> >>Lizette >>>> >> >>>> >>I think that you have racially inclined your mind. >>>> >> >>>> >>When did KENCALL directors become Kenyans? After getting >good >>>> >friends to bribe their way to this country. And let me tell >you that >>>> >the money the so called investors are using are Kenyan money >not >>>> >money from foreign banks. >>>> >> >>>> >>They have come and borrowed from Kenyan banks. How much does >the >>>> >most profitable telecomms companies leave in this country, >very small >>>> >amount. We have Telecomms companies which are on their marks. >They >>>> >have very inferior systems and dont actually deliver in >service but >>>> >make billions and run away with the billions. >>>> >> >>>> >>Dada Lizette, we know that there are Kenyans who are white, >black >>>> >coloured and all but know that I am a mixed race Kenyan and >really >>>> >sad when our brotehrs have to suffer because of bad policies >from >>>> >people like PS >>>> >> >>>> >>JM >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >>----- Original Message ---- >>>> >>From: Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> >>>> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>>> >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions ><kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>>> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:52:07 PM >>>> >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand >Vested >>>> >Interests >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >>Just my two pennies worth here. >>>> >> >>>> >>Kenya is not an Island that it can survive on its own even >through >>>> >local investment. Most times we dont have the funds. I do >agree >>>> >though about the Government and banks not supporting local >investors >>>> >with loans etc. They must start giving them the opportunity >to setup >>>> >local expertise and turn them in money making ventures, if >only they >>>> >wouldn't fleece their own companies. Even America, the giant >needs >>>> >investors!!! You all have a valid point but use it for the >best >>>> >interests of Kenya and its people first and foremost. Not >just self >>>> >interest for the few. And by the way Kenyans come in all >shapes, >>>> >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So please don't generalise who is >kenyan >>>> >and who is not!!! Kencall directors and owners are Kenyan >and not >>>> >outsiders if I understand correctly. When we are taxed >whether >>>> >individually or coorporately, the money is used for Kenya and >Kenyans >>>> >and not for outsiders who invested! Forcing local >partnership in >>>> >foreign owned companies has >>>> >> its negative and positive effects. >>>> >>This needs to be look at more seriously to make it a win-win >>>> >situation. It has been known in the past that foreign >investors with >>>> >forced local partnership have been subjected to threats and >>>> >intimidation by the local partners when they wanted more than >their >>>> >fare share, (given to them mind you). Thus the weariness o >>>> >>of being forced now. This does not attract any investor. But >the >>>> >foreigners should not fleece the country either! >>>> >> >>>> >>Let us have some constructive critisism without being >racially >>>> >inclined. Fight to make things right no matter what but >without >>>> >pinpointing nationalities or colours of people. >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 >>>> >> >>>> >>_______________________________________________ >>>> >>kictanet mailing list >>>> >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >> >>>> >>This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com >>>> >>Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gma >il. >>>> >com >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >>-- >>>> >>Lizette Kraft >>>> >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 >>>> >>Nairobi, Kenya >>>> >>Cell: 0722-800362 >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> This message was sent to: jmanthi(a)gmail.com >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmai >l.com >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Joseph Manthi >>> CEO >>> MEO Ltd >>> http://www.meoltd.com >>> >> >> -- >> Sent from my mobile device >> >> Made in Kenya Network >> Apt. B-8, Elite Park >> Ole Odume Road >> P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 >> Nairobi. Kenya >> Tel: +254-20-3590451 >> Cel: +254-722-811171 >> Cel: +254-735-370840 >> www.madeinkenya.org >> >> http://www.bungesms.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: gachuhi.anthony(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/gachuhi.anthon >y%40gmail.com >> > >-- >Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: mwananchi(a)hushmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwananchi%40hu >shmail.com -- Free information on a POS system that meets your needs. Click here. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4dAhCV2vbbolLnKCVrx70LViDZftbnMt4v6y6B…

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Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Wainaina, The issues are several but lets not muddy the waters by mixing up separate, distinct and in some of the ones you have listed misinterpreted issues to revert back to what the opponents of accountability and transparency did when they rushed in to silence, resulting in a very energised thread on issues that some feel very strongly about. Naturally some will share the same views as those below and others will disagree: >A: That the PS (I&C) announce that policies shall be developed in >an open, transparent and consultative manner. He also must organise a >forum to kickstart non-emotive talks by mid-November. PS Ndemo so far has defended his proposal and has not yielded an inch. The PS does not appear willing to incorporate alternative views into policy making, and has not indicated the way forward as yet. We thank him for responding however and ask him to remember that he serves the greater Kenyan public not foreign interests and in that light his proposal should be shelved for the sake of public input. Your suggestion is appropriate and the PS could also borrow a leaf from CCK who engage in wide reaching public consultations that invite parties to provide views in writing while also publishing them before policies changes are implemented. On a matter so critical as changes in local ownership reductions to ZERO percent wider public consultations should be held or in the alternate the cabinet and parliament can define this policy on behalf of all Kenyans. As a public servant the PS is duty bound to represent all Kenyans and not selective groups of Kenyans or foreigners (a matter that would run afoul of the law -- Public Officer Ethics Act). >B: That PS Ndemo resigns and is replaced with a person of your >choice. Nobody has clearly called for PS Ndemo's resignation, if Ndemo has received a specific request to do so he should let the public know. The executive arm of government makes appointments to the office of the PS, lets not twist issues of accountability and transparency into matters of partisan politics. We want a better Kenya than that, not a Kenya where one's own is the only acceptable choice regardless of whether one can carry out the job or not. Naturally if public servants feel that they are unable to serve the Kenyan public without favour and not just foreigners and special interests then they should make honourable decisions on whether to continue with that office or not. We are simply asking PS Ndemo to act in the interests of ALL Kenyans and not to do by assumption, to respect and uphold the rule of law so as to help Kenyans fight the rotten culture of impunity and to carry out the duties of his office diligently and to the best of his abilities. Naturally doing so does not grant one a licence to act as one deems fit while forgetting who one works for. >C: That the Econet licence, Kencall licence and related MoUs, >contracts signed by PS (I&C) be cancelled. 1. The Econet licence was cancelled by the Minister for I&C. Econet went to court in an attempt to overturn the decision and failed when the High Court through Justice Ibrahim Mohammed made a final ruling in the matter see HC1640/2004. The Econet licence was cancelled and thus remains cancelled as upheld by a court of law. We must respect our institutions, our laws and the judiciary if we hope to bury the rotten culture of acting with impunity kwenye kaburi la kusahau. 2. Kencall obtained its licence legally. It is not operating under the false pretence of operating on a valid licence that was cancelled. Kencall has helped put Kenya on the BPO map. Opportunities or relaxations in policy available to Kencall should also be availed to Kenyans serious about building our economy. There is no quarrel with Kencall from this quarter on this, there may be in others. To thwart further speculation PS Ndemo should name the foreign characters who have been meeting him in his office under circumstances that would amount to blackmailing a government official into submitting to their demands. 3. The MoUs are the matter of a tribunal appointed by the President. PS Ndemo and the Minister for Energy have not told Kenyans of the extent to which Kenyans were committed to. The MoU should be publicly made available and released. The case of MOUs with foreigners, just shows that the PS and other government officials are putting foreigners ahead of Kenyans. Is PS Ndemo willing to sign an MOU with Kenyans promising to work towards increasing their local ownership percentages in ICT firms? I think not, we should not be accountable to foreigners and fail to be accountable to our fellow citizens. Does the MOU Ndemo sign grant Kenyans preferential access to Libya's ICT sector? Kenyans want to know what is in this MOUs which by all indications to date are lop sided and favour foreigners and their nations. 4. Contracts or agreements signed under false pretences should be cancelled. In any case they are invalid under laws of the land as pertains to cancelled documents by public authority. The matter of an agreement that claimed to settle out of court a case that was already out of court before the sham agreement by way of a FINAL ruling should not be misused to subvert the rule of law and our judiciary. We must put a STOP to the culture of impunity and rampant disregard of the law and judiciary. If a public servant is sacked for upholding the rule of law, let it be so, Kenyans will respect them for standing up for what is right. >D: That all stakeholders Govt., KICTANET, KIF, CA, etc organise an >"ICT Investment" policy forum to be held in Nairobi around mid- >November 2008. > 5. Agreed to in principle, all stakeholders including public and the Diaspora should be formally invited. The policy forum should also involve friends of Kenya who realise the value of having Kenyans having increased ownership in the ICT sector more so fellow Africans who are investing in our economy. However Kenyans must drive the discussion, the PS should come to the forum with an open mind ready to incorporate the views of Kenyans. >I hope this shall help us focus on defining and achieving a common >goal so that we desist from personal attacks on integrity, racial >profiling and so on... Some of us obviously feel very impassioned and disturbed at the sheer nature of PS Ndemo's bulldozed actions. Personal and other attacks will not help us define proper policy, let us respect one another going forward. I have to agree with you on this point and ask the self appointed censors of non-concurring opinion to take note of what their actions exacerbated. Asante. Peterson >Good day, >Wainaina > >On 10/16/08, Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Edith,There are some useful lessons - but these lessons do not >include: >> >> 1. How to give away your national treasures - like bandwidth - >to foreign >> entities just because they say they can not do any business with >local >> entrepreneurs. In fact I know this for a fact, you would never >get a license >> to operate in UAE if this was your argument. Further to this >lesson I would >> like to point to these additional countries that would laugh you >out of town >> if you made that argument - US (some businesses like Airline, >Military and >> Defense, Telecommunications (not ISP), Radio & TV), India, >Singapore, >> Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the whole of Middle East, >South Africa, >> Japan (especially Japan) >> >> 2. How not be conned. Kenya seems to heading there with its eyes >opened. >> When a man approaches a woman, it would be a very stupid woman, >who knowing >> what a man is capable of, to accept the BS that the man is >feeding her. And >> if she does then she deserves what she gets. Kenya will get what >it deserves >> and very soon. A good example is Russia and its oligarchs - all >members of >> the Forbes Richest. >> >> 3. Great leadership is necessary to grow a country. A leadership >with >> intestinal fortitude to say no under pressure. Top to bottom, >> >> 4. That the local mwananchi can invest in their own country and >manage its >> growth >> >> 5. That a great nation looks upon its diaspora to grow it - a la >Israel and >> India >> >> 6. That a great nation does not wait to be raped twice - We seem >to be >> following a process that will guarantee our raping despite how >Kenyan some >> members of this committee think they are. Its just a matter of >time before >> they pick up their bags and leave. I really do not think that as >a national >> planner I should be putting my eggs in that basket. >> >> Joe >> >> On Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM, <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> wrote: >> >>> Anyone has taken the time to thoroughly study the secret behind >>> Dubai's tremendous growth? (U.A.E in general). There are some >useful >>> lessons! >>> >>> >>> > >>> >---- Original Message ---- >>> >From: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>> >To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >>> >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand >Vested >>> >Interests >>> >Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:50 -0700 (PDT) >>> > >>> >>Lizette >>> >> >>> >>I think that you have racially inclined your mind. >>> >> >>> >>When did KENCALL directors become Kenyans? After getting good >>> >friends to bribe their way to this country. And let me tell >you that >>> >the money the so called investors are using are Kenyan money >not >>> >money from foreign banks. >>> >> >>> >>They have come and borrowed from Kenyan banks. How much does >the >>> >most profitable telecomms companies leave in this country, >very small >>> >amount. We have Telecomms companies which are on their marks. >They >>> >have very inferior systems and dont actually deliver in >service but >>> >make billions and run away with the billions. >>> >> >>> >>Dada Lizette, we know that there are Kenyans who are white, >black >>> >coloured and all but know that I am a mixed race Kenyan and >really >>> >sad when our brotehrs have to suffer because of bad policies >from >>> >people like PS >>> >> >>> >>JM >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>----- Original Message ---- >>> >>From: Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> >>> >>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>> >>Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions ><kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> >>Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:52:07 PM >>> >>Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand >Vested >>> >Interests >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>Just my two pennies worth here. >>> >> >>> >>Kenya is not an Island that it can survive on its own even >through >>> >local investment. Most times we dont have the funds. I do >agree >>> >though about the Government and banks not supporting local >investors >>> >with loans etc. They must start giving them the opportunity to >setup >>> >local expertise and turn them in money making ventures, if >only they >>> >wouldn't fleece their own companies. Even America, the giant >needs >>> >investors!!! You all have a valid point but use it for the >best >>> >interests of Kenya and its people first and foremost. Not just >self >>> >interest for the few. And by the way Kenyans come in all >shapes, >>> >sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So please don't generalise who is >kenyan >>> >and who is not!!! Kencall directors and owners are Kenyan and >not >>> >outsiders if I understand correctly. When we are taxed whether >>> >individually or coorporately, the money is used for Kenya and >Kenyans >>> >and not for outsiders who invested! Forcing local partnership >in >>> >foreign owned companies has >>> >> its negative and positive effects. >>> >>This needs to be look at more seriously to make it a win-win >>> >situation. It has been known in the past that foreign >investors with >>> >forced local partnership have been subjected to threats and >>> >intimidation by the local partners when they wanted more than >their >>> >fare share, (given to them mind you). Thus the weariness o >>> >>of being forced now. This does not attract any investor. But >the >>> >foreigners should not fleece the country either! >>> >> >>> >>Let us have some constructive critisism without being >racially >>> >inclined. Fight to make things right no matter what but >without >>> >pinpointing nationalities or colours of people. >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>On 10/7/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >>> >>http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 >>> >> >>> >>_______________________________________________ >>> >>kictanet mailing list >>> >>kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >> >>> >>This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com >>> >>Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> >>http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gma >il. >>> >com >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>-- >>> >>Lizette Kraft >>> >>P.O. Box 18488, 00500 >>> >>Nairobi, Kenya >>> >>Cell: 0722-800362 >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: jmanthi(a)gmail.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmai >l.com >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Joseph Manthi >> CEO >> MEO Ltd >> http://www.meoltd.com >> > >-- >Sent from my mobile device > >Made in Kenya Network >Apt. B-8, Elite Park >Ole Odume Road >P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 >Nairobi. Kenya >Tel: +254-20-3590451 >Cel: +254-722-811171 >Cel: +254-735-370840 >www.madeinkenya.org > >http://www.bungesms.com > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: mwananchi(a)hushmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwananchi%40hu >shmail.com -- Click here to find the perfect picture with our powerful photo search features. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4dI2gfxcy5JhZSrwtoKGNxH89RgFtnknCdDUWY…

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Lizette I think that you have racially inclined your mind. When did KENCALL directors become Kenyans? After getting good friends to bribe their way to this country. And let me tell you that the money the so called investors are using are Kenyan money not money from foreign banks. They have come and borrowed from Kenyan banks. How much does the most profitable telecomms companies leave in this country, very small amount. We have Telecomms companies which are on their marks. They have very inferior systems and dont actually deliver in service but make billions and run away with the billions. Dada Lizette, we know that there are Kenyans who are white, black coloured and all but know that I am a mixed race Kenyan and really sad when our brotehrs have to suffer because of bad policies from people like PS JM ----- Original Message ---- From: Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:52:07 PM Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests Just my two pennies worth here. Kenya is not an Island that it can survive on its own even through local investment. Most times we dont have the funds. I do agree though about the Government and banks not supporting local investors with loans etc. They must start giving them the opportunity to setup local expertise and turn them in money making ventures, if only they wouldn't fleece their own companies. Even America, the giant needs investors!!! You all have a valid point but use it for the best interests of Kenya and its people first and foremost. Not just self interest for the few. And by the way Kenyans come in all shapes, sizes, COLOURS, and creed. So please don't generalise who is kenyan and who is not!!! Kencall directors and owners are Kenyan and not outsiders if I understand correctly. When we are taxed whether individually or coorporately, the money is used for Kenya and Kenyans and not for outsiders who invested! Forcing local partnership in foreign owned companies has its negative and positive effects. This needs to be look at more seriously to make it a win-win situation. It has been known in the past that foreign investors with forced local partnership have been subjected to threats and intimidation by the local partners when they wanted more than their fare share, (given to them mind you). Thus the weariness o of being forced now. This does not attract any investor. But the foreigners should not fleece the country either! Let us have some constructive critisism without being racially inclined. Fight to make things right no matter what but without pinpointing nationalities or colours of people. On 10/7/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#poest3150 _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail.com -- Lizette Kraft P.O. Box 18488, 00500 Nairobi, Kenya Cell: 0722-800362

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Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors - From Ugandan
by John Maina 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

Kenyans and other Africans, Yes, I agree. We have the money. But we need to organize to stop the hemorrhage of our resources. This is our moment to make our voices heard about our countries' economic sovereignty. What many of our leaders are doing giving away our tangible and intangible assets is treasonous and inexcusable. In Uganda, my country, the president, his family and their lackeys have turned themselves into a veritable mafia of commission agents carrying water for all sorts of foreign interests. They proclaim from the rooftops how indigenous Ugandans are too poor and dumb to own and manage businesses. Yet, there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some of that evidence points to how foreigners, including South Asians who arrive in the country with only the shirts on their backs, are provided with multi-million dollar loans/grants to finance pet enterprises. Ugandans can only dream of such largesse. Understandably, many of those foreign "investors" take the money -- pausing only long enough to wreck the business -- and run. A good example is Tristar, a textile firm that government set up as a showcase of a successful Africa Growth Opportunity Act inspired business, was handd on a silver platter to a pair of Sri Lankan briefcase businessmen with a $2.5 million loan from the state-owned Uganda Development bank. Their only qualification was that they were "Indian", a nationality that Museveni equates with a natural entrepreneurship. In addition to the free business and loan, the conmen were vigorously and publicly supported by the President's office in exploiting an all-female workforce (including sexually), recruited deliberately from rural Uganda and kept in apartheid-era like hostels, ostensibly because they would be too docile to rebel against their poor working conditions. A parliamentary investigation was sparked when the "Agoa girls," as the workers were patronizingly called, organized and downed their tools. That's when the sordid details of the sorry venture emerged. The adage that "if you want to look for traitors, start at the top" is all too true for our countries. With leaders such as these (and silent lambs as us), is it any wonder that nearly every race holds us in contempt and reaps fortunes out of our losses! Vukoni -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [DigAfrica] Re: [africa-oped] Fwd: Re: [picta-kenya] Re: Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors - Show quoted text - From: "Robert Alai" <alai.robert(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, October 13, 2008 10:34 am To: digafrica(a)yahoogroups.com, picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com - Show quoted text - Matunda Kenyans have the money. France Telekoms came to Kenya and bought Telkom Kenya but is being supported by the Kenyan government. It doesnt have money upto now. Kencall and all these foreigners claiming that Kenyans have no money came and borrowed in Kenyan banks. Tell me which foreigners brought their own money. Including Safaricom which went to the NSE and put up a bond. Lets not be cheated. Matunda, me and you and all people in Dig Afrika and PICTA wont have the opportunity to set up our ICT companies if Dr Ndemo is allowed to go ahead. We must insist on local partnership and its not something we should be begging for. We must insist on it Regards Alai - Show quoted text - On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 5:34 PM, nmatunda <matunda(a)hotmail.com> wrote: - Show quoted text - --- In picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com, "Mike Theuri" <mi.ke.the.u.r.i@...> wrote: Matunda, I concur with your views and completely agree with the way the Canadian banking industry has weathered the financial storm. During a brief visit to Canada I noted that there were 5 major Canadian banks and one major international institution (Europe's largest institution by way of assets) operating in Canada. According to the WEF: "Canada has the world's soundest banking system, according to a more recent report released by the World Economic Forum. Canada's banks received a score of 6.8 out of possible seven, ahead of the banks of five other countries which received a score of 6.7 per cent." We are now seeing the US rushing to regulate the banking sector and even going as far as taking ownership stakes in both US and foreign banks because Americans interest and not that of foreigners is at stake. There are lessons to be learned from this about the consequences of unplanned deregulation ie ownership, operational etc in sectors key to the economy. That said we must closely focus on the issue of Kenya and the PS' plan to invite foreigners with no conditions on local ownership. My original posting on this issue covered a number of varied issues, it appears the discussion has taken on a life of its own after it was shared on other forums and has morphed into a protracted battle between pro-PS types engaged in a concerted effort to silence the issue and individuals who despite their rather harsh and tough ways of getting the point across raise valid points that are apparently unpalatable for some. On Saturday, I received a message from an individual whom I shall not name who has gotten rather cosy with the PS of late suggesting that certain parties were out to reignite conflict in the nation through the revelation of the PS' plan and the resulting debates on lists and that I should play a participatory role in "helping them" squelch the "dissent". I responded saying that the individual was digging in the wrong place as there were no hidden dimensions to the issue other than the policies mentioned and that Kenyans should be free to hold individuals in public office to account without interference or intimidation. It was disappointing to read such a message hinged with hints to unsavoury moments in our recent history coming from an individual who once strongly stood for freedom of expression and the right to information. If other individuals have seen it fit to raise the issues outside of Picta it is indeed within their rights as Kenyans. Unfortunately the answer to Matunda's question is that there is nobody standing up for Kenyans interests on this issue, we only read in the media about plans to gazette following alleged consultations with foreign stakeholders. There is hardly ever any justification made and when it is sought, the PS has repeatedly used isolated but not precedent setting incidents such as the one I mentioned. We all recall the Ksh 100m tax payer funded trip the Finance Minister and the PS amongst other made to the western hemisphere to court Diaspora investors in 2007, only to display high handedness and refusal to answer legitimate questions seeking assurances about the ability of the Diaspora to invest in our own country. As a writer observed: http://www.kenyaimagine.com/Economy/Kenya-Finance-Minister-courts-investors… "Next was the matter of investment, especially that of Kenyans abroad. However much investment opportunities are paraded, investors, whether Kenyan or foreign, always have the same questions about the local environment with regard to; bureaucratic bottlenecks, regulatory climate, corruption, and insecurity" When such questions were brought up the delegation brushed them aside and refused to answer them. Today, we read about Ndemo appearing to disregard the interests of Kenyans through his proposed policies and calling for increased foreign participation in the Kenyan economy. This is simply wrong, why is Ndemo rushing to make conditions better for foreigners but not exhibiting the same level of effort for Kenyans to have a larger stake in the economy? Ndemo should instead be taking on the issues his delegation brushed aside when questioned by would be Kenyan investors. The PS should put his country (Kenya) and its citizens first and that means working for the common interests of Kenyans. Any Kenyan who asks the PS or the Government to justify and explain its position on such contentious proposals should be given the opportunity to express their views, not condemned and counter attacked as seems to be the case now on a discussion list serving industry interests. Kenyans should not stand by idly as non-progressive proposals are quietly drafted and made binding to Kenyans without the process being open to critique and public input. Mike On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 7:14 AM, nmatunda <http://../../../../post?postID=Nwl_acszxFkN4z3b2uNtU8XlfkXWMi8l7FoVzSnzRChXPvqnkZb6vcvKEzgqRf67GjelW9IqJOAw> wrote: Mike, I am with you 200% on this. Every country must always act in its self-interest; this move by the PS is deplorable and not in line with long term Kenyan interests, especially in as a lucrative area as ICT. In my books, we invite foreigners for such things as (a) financing (which by the way Kenyans have shown can be raised locally), (b) operations and management experience & knowledge transfer, (c) relationships that we can leverage through any such joint ventures, etc. Joint ventures can also cushion enterprises from predatory illegalities, especially given our weak legal dispute resolution structures! Of the latter, remember when heads of state corporations used to queue up with money bags to state house to prop up the Moi excesses! Or when companies could be shaken down for political donations at a whim! For me, a good (not ideal!) joint venture is one of the kind that Kenya Airways went into with KLM, when KA had been run down by politically connected individuals. KLM brought in management and operations experience, facilitated KA's access to markets and routes that KA otherwise couldn't easily access and in the process the KA brand rose, as did profits and more! The investment has paid well for Kenyans and KLM; a win-win. There is a lesson to be learnt from the current American financial crisis with respect to experiences in Canada. This country has been under pressure to deregulate its financial services sector for the longest time. Banks have argued that they needed mergers to allow them to compete globally; and that they needed global partners that would help them grow and extend their reach. Canadian government have constantly refused mergers or the kind of deregulation the industry sought! Their argument: the interest of the common person whose priority banks should be. Guess what? In the present crisis, Canada has come substantially well ahead of the US and others. And for what reason: they stood against unfettered deregulaion! and they stood up for the interest of Canadians. I ask all yee this question: who is standing for the interest of Kenyans in this open invitation to exploitation? Dr Ndemo needs to be stopped, I am afraid! Unedited. Matunda Nyanchama

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors - From Ugandan
by John Maina 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

Peterson And I think these people mistake me with someone in the diaspora. I live and work in Kenya and purely live on my own business which has passed alot and been featured as one of the most innovative businesses around. So Alex, guess which one it is and tell me about yours JM ----- Original Message ---- From: "mwananchi(a)hushmail.com" <mwananchi(a)hushmail.com> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:10:41 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors - From Ugandan Gichuru, Prior to asking your question you doubted whether Kenyans engaged in holding a public servant to transparently account, actually worked, actually resided in Kenya, actually contributed to economic growth and were only complainants incapable of creating effective change. In doing so, I believe you answered your own question before you had a chance to ask it. One can only conclude that your call for stories is not sincere. Promoting veiled stereotypes, while suggesting that Kenyans who live in Kenya cannot stand up for their rights, will not detract non-elitist Kenyans from ensuring that public servants accountably engage in service delivery to the Kenyan people. The suggestion that people are layabouts who wake up one day and raise an issue that does not affect them in anyway should be consigned to the proper dustbin. Thank you. Peterson On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:17:05 +0000 gichuru(a)gmail.com wrote: >I keep asking myself , how much change can you effect by >complaining >and criticizing the ones who are actually working? How many of you >criticizing the PS and other government initiative are in Kenya >contributing to the economic growth? How many have tried running a >business in this country in the last 10 years and can testify to >growth? > >I am not saying more cant be done, but appreciate what has been >done..... But if you really have something to say a burning desire >to >share, dont talk about the KLM story, KQ Story, we already know >about >them, lets hear about your story.. what are you doing or have you >done? Lets judge for ourselves if you can deliver given a >chance.... > > > >On 10/14/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >> Kenyans and other Africans, >> >> Yes, I agree. We have the money. But we need to organize to stop >> the hemorrhage of our resources. This is our moment to make our >voices >> heard about our countries' economic sovereignty. What many of >our >> leaders are doing giving away our tangible and intangible assets >> is treasonous and inexcusable. >> >> In Uganda, my country, the president, his family and their >lackeys >> have turned themselves into a veritable mafia of commission >agents >> carrying water for all sorts of foreign interests. They proclaim >from >> the rooftops how indigenous Ugandans are too poor and dumb to >own and >> manage businesses. Yet, there is plenty of evidence to the >contrary. >> Some of that evidence points to how foreigners, including South >Asians >> who arrive in the country with only the shirts on their backs, >are >> provided with multi-million dollar loans/grants to finance pet >> enterprises. Ugandans can only dream of such largesse. >Understandably, >> many of those foreign "investors" take the money -- pausing only >long >> enough to wreck the business -- and run. A good example is >Tristar, a >> textile firm that government set up as a showcase of a >successful >> Africa Growth Opportunity Act inspired business, was handd on a >silver >> platter to a pair of Sri Lankan briefcase businessmen with a >$2.5 >> million loan from the state-owned Uganda Development bank. Their >only >> qualification was that they were "Indian", a nationality that >Museveni >> equates with a natural entrepreneurship. >> >> In addition to the free business and loan, the conmen were >> vigorously and publicly supported by the President's office in >> exploiting an all-female workforce (including sexually), >recruited >> deliberately from rural Uganda and kept in apartheid-era like >hostels, >> ostensibly because they would be too docile to rebel against >their poor >> working conditions. A parliamentary investigation was sparked >when the >> "Agoa girls," as the workers were patronizingly called, >organized and >> downed their tools. That's when the sordid details of the sorry >venture >> emerged. >> >> The adage that "if you want to look for traitors, start at the >> top" is all too true for our countries. With leaders such as >these (and >> silent lambs as us), is it any wonder that nearly every race >holds us >> in contempt and reaps fortunes out of our losses! >> >> Vukoni >> >> >> -------- Original Message -------- >> Subject: [DigAfrica] Re: [africa-oped] Fwd: Re: [picta-kenya] >Re: Kenya >> opens door to foreign telecoms investors >> >> - Show quoted text - >> From: "Robert Alai" <alai.robert(a)gmail.com> >> Date: Mon, October 13, 2008 10:34 am >> To: digafrica(a)yahoogroups.com, picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com >> >> >> - Show quoted text - >> >> Matunda >> >> Kenyans have the money. >> >> France >> Telekoms came to Kenya and bought Telkom Kenya but is being >supported >> by the Kenyan government. It doesnt have money upto now. >> >> Kencall >> and all these foreigners claiming that Kenyans have no money >came and >> borrowed in Kenyan banks. Tell me which foreigners brought their >own >> money. Including Safaricom which went to the NSE and put up a >bond. >> >> Lets >> not be cheated. Matunda, me and you and all people in Dig Afrika >and >> PICTA wont have the opportunity to set up our ICT companies if >Dr Ndemo >> is allowed to go ahead. We must insist on local partnership and >its not >> something we should be begging for. We must insist on it >> >> Regards >> Alai >> >> - Show quoted text - >> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 5:34 PM, nmatunda <matunda(a)hotmail.com> >wrote: >> >> - Show quoted text - >> >> --- In picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com, "Mike Theuri" ><mi.ke.the.u.r.i@...> >> wrote: >> >> >> Matunda, >> >> I concur with your views and completely agree with the way the >> Canadian banking industry has weathered the financial storm. >During a >> brief visit to Canada I noted that there were 5 major Canadian >banks >> and one major international institution (Europe's largest >institution >> by way of assets) operating in Canada. According to the WEF: >"Canada >> has the world's soundest banking system, according to a more >recent >> report released by the World Economic Forum. Canada's banks >received a >> score of 6.8 out of possible seven, ahead of the banks of five >other >> countries which received a score of 6.7 per cent." We are now >seeing >> the US rushing to regulate the banking sector and even going as >far as >> taking ownership stakes in both US and foreign banks because >Americans >> interest and not that of foreigners is at stake. There are >lessons to >> be learned from this about the consequences of unplanned >deregulation >> ie ownership, operational etc in sectors key to the economy. >> >> That said we must closely focus on the issue of Kenya and the >PS' >> plan to invite foreigners with no conditions on local ownership. >My >> original posting on this issue covered a number of varied >issues, >> it appears the discussion has taken on a life of its own after >it was >> shared on other forums and has morphed into a protracted battle >between >> pro-PS types engaged in a concerted effort to silence the issue >and >> individuals who despite their rather harsh and tough ways of >getting >> the point across raise valid points that are apparently >unpalatable for >> some. >> >> On Saturday, I received a message from an individual whom I >shall >> not name who has gotten rather cosy with the PS of late >suggesting that >> certain parties were out to reignite conflict in the nation >through the >> revelation of the PS' plan and the resulting debates on lists >and that >> I should play a participatory role in "helping them" squelch the >> "dissent". I responded saying that the individual was digging in >the >> wrong place as there were no hidden dimensions to the issue >other than >> the policies mentioned and that Kenyans should be free to hold >> individuals in public office to account without interference or >> intimidation. It was disappointing to read such a message hinged >> with hints to unsavoury moments in our recent history coming >from an >> individual who once strongly stood for freedom of expression and >the >> right to information. If other individuals have seen it fit to >raise >> the issues outside of Picta it is indeed within their rights as >Kenyans. >> >> Unfortunately the answer to Matunda's question is that there is >> nobody standing up for Kenyans interests on this issue, we only >read in >> the media about plans to gazette following alleged consultations >with >> foreign stakeholders. There is hardly ever any justification >made and >> when it is sought, the PS has repeatedly used isolated but not >> precedent setting incidents such as the one I mentioned. We all >recall >> the Ksh 100m tax payer funded trip the Finance Minister and the >PS >> amongst other made to the western hemisphere to court Diaspora >> investors in 2007, only to display high handedness and refusal >to >> answer legitimate questions seeking assurances about the ability >of the >> Diaspora to invest in our own country. >> >> As a writer observed: >> http://www.kenyaimagine.com/Economy/Kenya-Finance-Minister- >courts-investors-abroad.html >> "Next was the matter of investment, especially that of Kenyans >> abroad. However much investment opportunities are paraded, >investors, >> whether Kenyan or foreign, always have the same questions about >the >> local environment with regard to; bureaucratic bottlenecks, >regulatory >> climate, corruption, and insecurity" >> >> When such questions were brought up the delegation brushed them >> aside and refused to answer them. Today, we read about Ndemo >appearing >> to disregard the interests of Kenyans through his proposed >policies and >> calling for increased foreign participation in the Kenyan >economy. This >> is simply wrong, why is Ndemo rushing to make conditions better >for >> foreigners but not exhibiting the same level of effort for >Kenyans to >> have a larger stake in the economy? >> >> Ndemo should instead be taking on the issues his delegation >> brushed aside when questioned by would be Kenyan investors. The >PS >> should put his country (Kenya) and its citizens first and that >means >> working for the common interests of Kenyans. Any Kenyan who asks >the PS >> or the Government to justify and explain its position on >> such contentious proposals should be given the opportunity to >express >> their views, not condemned and counter attacked as seems to be >the case >> now on a discussion list serving industry interests. Kenyans >should not >> stand by idly as non-progressive proposals are quietly drafted >and made >> binding to Kenyans without the process being open to critique >and >> public input. >> >> Mike >> On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 7:14 AM, nmatunda >> ><http://../../../../post?postID=Nwl_acszxFkN4z3b2uNtU8XlfkXWMi8l7Fo >VzSnzRChXPvqnkZb6vcvKEzgqRf67GjelW9IqJOAw> >> wrote: >> >> Mike, >> >> I am with you 200% on this. >> >> Every country must always act in its self-interest; this move by >> the PS is deplorable and not in line with long term Kenyan >interests, >> especially in as a lucrative area as ICT. >> >> In my books, we invite foreigners for such things as (a) >financing >> (which by the way Kenyans have shown can be raised locally), (b) >> operations and management experience & knowledge transfer, (c) >> relationships that we can leverage through any such joint >ventures, >> etc. Joint ventures can also cushion enterprises from predatory >> illegalities, especially given our weak legal dispute resolution >> structures! Of the latter, remember when heads of state >corporations >> used to queue up with money bags to state house to prop up the >Moi >> excesses! Or when companies could be shaken down for political >> donations at a whim! >> >> For me, a good (not ideal!) joint venture is one of the kind >that >> Kenya Airways went into with KLM, when KA had been run down by >> politically connected individuals. KLM brought in management and >> operations experience, facilitated KA's access to markets and >routes >> that KA otherwise couldn't easily access and in the process the >KA >> brand rose, as did profits and more! The investment has paid >well for >> Kenyans and KLM; a win-win. >> >> There is a lesson to be learnt from the current American >financial >> crisis with respect to experiences in Canada. This country has >been >> under pressure to deregulate its financial services sector for >the >> longest time. Banks have argued that they needed mergers to >allow them >> to compete globally; and that they needed global partners that >would >> help them grow and extend their reach. >> >> Canadian government have constantly refused mergers or the kind >of >> deregulation the industry sought! Their argument: the interest >of the >> common person whose priority banks should be. >> >> Guess what? In the present crisis, Canada has come substantially >> well ahead of the US and others. And for what reason: they stood >> against unfettered deregulaion! and they stood up for the >interest of >> Canadians. >> >> I ask all yee this question: who is standing for the interest of >Kenyans in >> this open invitation to exploitation? >> >> Dr Ndemo needs to be stopped, I am afraid! >> >> Unedited. >> >> Matunda Nyanchama >> >> >> > > >-- > >Warm Regards >-------------------------------------- >Sam Gichuru >CVO > >Register .COM, .co.ke, .NET, .ORG, .INFO and .BIZ domain names for >FREE. unlimited email addresses. Business Webhosting and Internet >Marketing services for only Kshs. 1,000 a month. > >Ideas Africa Limited - The Web Design and Hosting Company >Tel : 020-221199, 230663 - Cell: 0722-730565 >Web: www.ideasafrica.com > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: mwananchi(a)hushmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwananchi%40hu >shmail.com -- Save hundreds on an Unsecured Loan - Click here. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4d88tmB31ffQ6YfI4lx9Rf7NLWb1ugiNn2azUF… _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: j.maina(a)ymail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/j.maina%40ymail.com

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors - From Ugandan
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

Gichuru, Prior to asking your question you doubted whether Kenyans engaged in holding a public servant to transparently account, actually worked, actually resided in Kenya, actually contributed to economic growth and were only complainants incapable of creating effective change. In doing so, I believe you answered your own question before you had a chance to ask it. One can only conclude that your call for stories is not sincere. Promoting veiled stereotypes, while suggesting that Kenyans who live in Kenya cannot stand up for their rights, will not detract non-elitist Kenyans from ensuring that public servants accountably engage in service delivery to the Kenyan people. The suggestion that people are layabouts who wake up one day and raise an issue that does not affect them in anyway should be consigned to the proper dustbin. Thank you. Peterson On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:17:05 +0000 gichuru(a)gmail.com wrote: >I keep asking myself , how much change can you effect by >complaining >and criticizing the ones who are actually working? How many of you >criticizing the PS and other government initiative are in Kenya >contributing to the economic growth? How many have tried running a >business in this country in the last 10 years and can testify to >growth? > >I am not saying more cant be done, but appreciate what has been >done..... But if you really have something to say a burning desire >to >share, dont talk about the KLM story, KQ Story, we already know >about >them, lets hear about your story.. what are you doing or have you >done? Lets judge for ourselves if you can deliver given a >chance.... > > > >On 10/14/08, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >> Kenyans and other Africans, >> >> Yes, I agree. We have the money. But we need to organize to stop >> the hemorrhage of our resources. This is our moment to make our >voices >> heard about our countries' economic sovereignty. What many of >our >> leaders are doing giving away our tangible and intangible assets >> is treasonous and inexcusable. >> >> In Uganda, my country, the president, his family and their >lackeys >> have turned themselves into a veritable mafia of commission >agents >> carrying water for all sorts of foreign interests. They proclaim >from >> the rooftops how indigenous Ugandans are too poor and dumb to >own and >> manage businesses. Yet, there is plenty of evidence to the >contrary. >> Some of that evidence points to how foreigners, including South >Asians >> who arrive in the country with only the shirts on their backs, >are >> provided with multi-million dollar loans/grants to finance pet >> enterprises. Ugandans can only dream of such largesse. >Understandably, >> many of those foreign "investors" take the money -- pausing only >long >> enough to wreck the business -- and run. A good example is >Tristar, a >> textile firm that government set up as a showcase of a >successful >> Africa Growth Opportunity Act inspired business, was handd on a >silver >> platter to a pair of Sri Lankan briefcase businessmen with a >$2.5 >> million loan from the state-owned Uganda Development bank. Their >only >> qualification was that they were "Indian", a nationality that >Museveni >> equates with a natural entrepreneurship. >> >> In addition to the free business and loan, the conmen were >> vigorously and publicly supported by the President's office in >> exploiting an all-female workforce (including sexually), >recruited >> deliberately from rural Uganda and kept in apartheid-era like >hostels, >> ostensibly because they would be too docile to rebel against >their poor >> working conditions. A parliamentary investigation was sparked >when the >> "Agoa girls," as the workers were patronizingly called, >organized and >> downed their tools. That's when the sordid details of the sorry >venture >> emerged. >> >> The adage that "if you want to look for traitors, start at the >> top" is all too true for our countries. With leaders such as >these (and >> silent lambs as us), is it any wonder that nearly every race >holds us >> in contempt and reaps fortunes out of our losses! >> >> Vukoni >> >> >> -------- Original Message -------- >> Subject: [DigAfrica] Re: [africa-oped] Fwd: Re: [picta-kenya] >Re: Kenya >> opens door to foreign telecoms investors >> >> - Show quoted text - >> From: "Robert Alai" <alai.robert(a)gmail.com> >> Date: Mon, October 13, 2008 10:34 am >> To: digafrica(a)yahoogroups.com, picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com >> >> >> - Show quoted text - >> >> Matunda >> >> Kenyans have the money. >> >> France >> Telekoms came to Kenya and bought Telkom Kenya but is being >supported >> by the Kenyan government. It doesnt have money upto now. >> >> Kencall >> and all these foreigners claiming that Kenyans have no money >came and >> borrowed in Kenyan banks. Tell me which foreigners brought their >own >> money. Including Safaricom which went to the NSE and put up a >bond. >> >> Lets >> not be cheated. Matunda, me and you and all people in Dig Afrika >and >> PICTA wont have the opportunity to set up our ICT companies if >Dr Ndemo >> is allowed to go ahead. We must insist on local partnership and >its not >> something we should be begging for. We must insist on it >> >> Regards >> Alai >> >> - Show quoted text - >> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 5:34 PM, nmatunda <matunda(a)hotmail.com> >wrote: >> >> - Show quoted text - >> >> --- In picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com, "Mike Theuri" ><mi.ke.the.u.r.i@...> >> wrote: >> >> >> Matunda, >> >> I concur with your views and completely agree with the way the >> Canadian banking industry has weathered the financial storm. >During a >> brief visit to Canada I noted that there were 5 major Canadian >banks >> and one major international institution (Europe's largest >institution >> by way of assets) operating in Canada. According to the WEF: >"Canada >> has the world's soundest banking system, according to a more >recent >> report released by the World Economic Forum. Canada's banks >received a >> score of 6.8 out of possible seven, ahead of the banks of five >other >> countries which received a score of 6.7 per cent." We are now >seeing >> the US rushing to regulate the banking sector and even going as >far as >> taking ownership stakes in both US and foreign banks because >Americans >> interest and not that of foreigners is at stake. There are >lessons to >> be learned from this about the consequences of unplanned >deregulation >> ie ownership, operational etc in sectors key to the economy. >> >> That said we must closely focus on the issue of Kenya and the >PS' >> plan to invite foreigners with no conditions on local ownership. >My >> original posting on this issue covered a number of varied >issues, >> it appears the discussion has taken on a life of its own after >it was >> shared on other forums and has morphed into a protracted battle >between >> pro-PS types engaged in a concerted effort to silence the issue >and >> individuals who despite their rather harsh and tough ways of >getting >> the point across raise valid points that are apparently >unpalatable for >> some. >> >> On Saturday, I received a message from an individual whom I >shall >> not name who has gotten rather cosy with the PS of late >suggesting that >> certain parties were out to reignite conflict in the nation >through the >> revelation of the PS' plan and the resulting debates on lists >and that >> I should play a participatory role in "helping them" squelch the >> "dissent". I responded saying that the individual was digging in >the >> wrong place as there were no hidden dimensions to the issue >other than >> the policies mentioned and that Kenyans should be free to hold >> individuals in public office to account without interference or >> intimidation. It was disappointing to read such a message hinged >> with hints to unsavoury moments in our recent history coming >from an >> individual who once strongly stood for freedom of expression and >the >> right to information. If other individuals have seen it fit to >raise >> the issues outside of Picta it is indeed within their rights as >Kenyans. >> >> Unfortunately the answer to Matunda's question is that there is >> nobody standing up for Kenyans interests on this issue, we only >read in >> the media about plans to gazette following alleged consultations >with >> foreign stakeholders. There is hardly ever any justification >made and >> when it is sought, the PS has repeatedly used isolated but not >> precedent setting incidents such as the one I mentioned. We all >recall >> the Ksh 100m tax payer funded trip the Finance Minister and the >PS >> amongst other made to the western hemisphere to court Diaspora >> investors in 2007, only to display high handedness and refusal >to >> answer legitimate questions seeking assurances about the ability >of the >> Diaspora to invest in our own country. >> >> As a writer observed: >> http://www.kenyaimagine.com/Economy/Kenya-Finance-Minister- >courts-investors-abroad.html >> "Next was the matter of investment, especially that of Kenyans >> abroad. However much investment opportunities are paraded, >investors, >> whether Kenyan or foreign, always have the same questions about >the >> local environment with regard to; bureaucratic bottlenecks, >regulatory >> climate, corruption, and insecurity" >> >> When such questions were brought up the delegation brushed them >> aside and refused to answer them. Today, we read about Ndemo >appearing >> to disregard the interests of Kenyans through his proposed >policies and >> calling for increased foreign participation in the Kenyan >economy. This >> is simply wrong, why is Ndemo rushing to make conditions better >for >> foreigners but not exhibiting the same level of effort for >Kenyans to >> have a larger stake in the economy? >> >> Ndemo should instead be taking on the issues his delegation >> brushed aside when questioned by would be Kenyan investors. The >PS >> should put his country (Kenya) and its citizens first and that >means >> working for the common interests of Kenyans. Any Kenyan who asks >the PS >> or the Government to justify and explain its position on >> such contentious proposals should be given the opportunity to >express >> their views, not condemned and counter attacked as seems to be >the case >> now on a discussion list serving industry interests. Kenyans >should not >> stand by idly as non-progressive proposals are quietly drafted >and made >> binding to Kenyans without the process being open to critique >and >> public input. >> >> Mike >> On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 7:14 AM, nmatunda >> ><http://../../../../post?postID=Nwl_acszxFkN4z3b2uNtU8XlfkXWMi8l7Fo >VzSnzRChXPvqnkZb6vcvKEzgqRf67GjelW9IqJOAw> >> wrote: >> >> Mike, >> >> I am with you 200% on this. >> >> Every country must always act in its self-interest; this move by >> the PS is deplorable and not in line with long term Kenyan >interests, >> especially in as a lucrative area as ICT. >> >> In my books, we invite foreigners for such things as (a) >financing >> (which by the way Kenyans have shown can be raised locally), (b) >> operations and management experience & knowledge transfer, (c) >> relationships that we can leverage through any such joint >ventures, >> etc. Joint ventures can also cushion enterprises from predatory >> illegalities, especially given our weak legal dispute resolution >> structures! Of the latter, remember when heads of state >corporations >> used to queue up with money bags to state house to prop up the >Moi >> excesses! Or when companies could be shaken down for political >> donations at a whim! >> >> For me, a good (not ideal!) joint venture is one of the kind >that >> Kenya Airways went into with KLM, when KA had been run down by >> politically connected individuals. KLM brought in management and >> operations experience, facilitated KA's access to markets and >routes >> that KA otherwise couldn't easily access and in the process the >KA >> brand rose, as did profits and more! The investment has paid >well for >> Kenyans and KLM; a win-win. >> >> There is a lesson to be learnt from the current American >financial >> crisis with respect to experiences in Canada. This country has >been >> under pressure to deregulate its financial services sector for >the >> longest time. Banks have argued that they needed mergers to >allow them >> to compete globally; and that they needed global partners that >would >> help them grow and extend their reach. >> >> Canadian government have constantly refused mergers or the kind >of >> deregulation the industry sought! Their argument: the interest >of the >> common person whose priority banks should be. >> >> Guess what? In the present crisis, Canada has come substantially >> well ahead of the US and others. And for what reason: they stood >> against unfettered deregulaion! and they stood up for the >interest of >> Canadians. >> >> I ask all yee this question: who is standing for the interest of >Kenyans in >> this open invitation to exploitation? >> >> Dr Ndemo needs to be stopped, I am afraid! >> >> Unedited. >> >> Matunda Nyanchama >> >> >> > > >-- > >Warm Regards >-------------------------------------- >Sam Gichuru >CVO > >Register .COM, .co.ke, .NET, .ORG, .INFO and .BIZ domain names for >FREE. unlimited email addresses. Business Webhosting and Internet >Marketing services for only Kshs. 1,000 a month. > >Ideas Africa Limited - The Web Design and Hosting Company >Tel : 020-221199, 230663 - Cell: 0722-730565 >Web: www.ideasafrica.com > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: mwananchi(a)hushmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwananchi%40hu >shmail.com -- Save hundreds on an Unsecured Loan - Click here. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4d88tmB31ffQ6YfI4lx9Rf7NLWb1ugiNn2azUF…

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President Bush Signs New IP Enforcement Bill Into Law
by Gakuru Alex 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

[Intellectual Property Watch] 14 October 2008 By Catherine Saez President Bush on Monday signed into law a bill strengthening civil and criminal laws against counterfeiting and piracy, boosting resources for enforcement and prosecution, and changing coordination of IP enforcement issues within the Executive Branch. Under the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (PRO-IP) Act of 2008, copyright registration would not be a prerequisite to criminal action, and a civil infringement action could be brought regardless of errors in registration unless those errors were made knowingly. The bill, S 3325, sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, and Pennsylvania Republican Arlen Specter, passed the Senate on 26 September and the House on 28 September. Industry Hails Victory Industry reacted to the enactment of the bill with statements highlighting the economic contribution of greater enforcement. "By signing into law this important legislation, President Bush has sent a resounding message not only to businesses, workers and consumers, but also to those who would harm Americans through piracy of pharmaceuticals, auto parts and health and safety products," said John Engler, president of the National Association of Manufacturers. Motion Picture Association of America CEO Dan Glickman also applauded the bill. "At this critical time for our economy, it's important to send a message that the jobs created and maintained by the protection of intellectual property is a national priority," he said. "As intellectual property rights are enforced, US artists and creators can maintain their leading role in the world of producing creative works that enrich our culture and drive our economy," said Copyright Alliance Director Patrick Ross. S 3325 creates an Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC), within the Executive Office of the President to replace the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council, an interagency group responsible for coordinating US domestic and international intellectual property enforcement activities, co-chaired by the US Patent and Trademark Office director (IPW, Enforcement, 1 October 2008). Consumer groups such as Public Knowledge and the Electronic Frontier Foundation opposed S 3325 out of concern over the treatment of non-infringing third parties and the federal government assuming a private enforcement role. The Justice and Commerce departments sent the Senate Judiciary Committee a letter opposing several parts of the bill, amongst which the claim that public resource be used to protect private interests. "Department of Justice prosecutors serving as pro bono lawyers for private copyright holders regardless of their resources," the letter states. The committee later removed provisions that would have involved federal prosecutors in civil copyright cases. <http://www.ip-watch.org/weblog/index.php?p=1268>

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PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#post3150

11 12

Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Very good questions indeed, except that these are some of the very same questions in the inverse PS Ndemo has dodged answering in full regarding the foreigners he has been meeting with behind closed doors. Who are these mysterious foreigners, are they the British Telecom's of this world or arm twisting fraudsters operating out of Dubai, Zimbabwe and Guernsey Islands? As PS Ndemo says there should be nothing to hide, if BT wants to come to Kenya they should publicly do so. If they want changes, they can demand changes in investment policy openly through press conferences and vocal diplomats and not secretly in PS Ndemo's office out of public eye sight and ear shot if they have nothing to be afraid of. Logic demands that questions are not answered with evasive questions more so from public servants. That is obsolete reasoning that belonged to yesteryears gone by. Kenyans should never agree to return to the down trodden eras where accountability and transparency did not exist in public servants books. Gone are the days when public servants could do as they pleased and contemptuously remark "so what?" Kenyan citizens do not have to account to anybody for demanding that public servants account for and carry out their duties responsibly. Responsible Kenyans should never apologise to anyone for asking public servants to account for their actions. Any individual who maliciously furthers the interests of foreigners while ignoring those of Kenyans does not deserve to be in public office. The Kenyan taxpayer does not spend their hard earned money to pay public servants so they can turn around, forget about Kenyans and promote foreign interests. It is disheartening to see some Kenyans 45 years after independence seemingly paralysed by a form of inferiority complex. These are the parties who believe that Kenyans or Africans are incapable and that foreign not indigenous is always better. It can hoped for in prayer that they are one day cured of this backward African disease that prevents us from collectively moving forward. If a public servant cannot protect and uphold Kenyans interests then they should leave those offices to responsible Kenyans who can. Individuals who embrace foreigners more than they embrace their own nation should perhaps be seeking public office in foreign lands not the Kenya their actions will retrogress. Anyone who is tired of Kenyans standing up for their rights is obviously free to renounce their citizenship and depart to foreign lands. A Kenyan need not have any other motive other than that of acting as a true Mwananchi when holding public servants and political appointees to account for their actions. Again, what list of policies and activities has PS Ndemo conducted to promote the ability of Kenyans to own and increase significant local shareholding in significant ICT enterprises before beginning to champion the cause of foreigners? Peterson On Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:42:01 +0000 aki <aki275(a)googlemail.com> wrote: >Dear Dr Ndemo and all, > >I beg to differ with the point raised so far. My opinion as a >techie much >lower in the food chain, we deal with logics. And the logic so far >is as >follows, which makes its even more interesting and since no one is >mixing >words, actually bordering on the egde of a conspiracy.... but I'll >leave the >strong words and chain of events for you all to figure out. > >It seems the bone of contention is the local share holdings >portion but >seems from the emails there are other agendas involved, including >justifying >" nationalism". > >So lets raise the questions, regarding the percentage of local >ownership >shareholdings in telco sector : > >1) Why is this such a problem and to whom? > >2) What lack of benefits will result from a 100% owned telcos and >to whom? > >3) What kenyas will suffer from the lack of ownership in such >telcos? > >4) Who are these kenyans who want to be part of the telcos and for >some >reason are going to be stopped ? > >5) Where is the money coming from, for kenyans to own shares in >the telco >sectors? > >In a nutshell, it is becoming clear that some are going to feel >the pinch of >a complete open market and will use tactics like corruption, name >calling >and etc to try and stop the messenger ( Bwana PS ) from >implementing the >necessary changes. > >I short, I suspect there is something much much bigger going on >here. I hope >someone with an insight into this will open up the entire story >and LAY IT >BARE. > >If you need to ban me from this list then go ahead, I'm getting >bored with >the one way traffic from the so called protectors of kenyan >interests. Who >are they? What interests do they have? > >Rgds. -- Taking a trip? Click here to compare hotel rates and find a great deal. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4eRClASu0dm5wx2JL4WXc5Lrm5ZOA1JR2Aue02…

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Eric, Thank you for your feedback. In general I believe we are in agreement, it is when we get to the finer details where fine tuning and compromise will be. PS Ndemo should commit to putting Kenyan interests first and working towards removing obstacles that prevent local investors from succeeding such as policies that fail to take local investors into account. So that the message is not lost, this is not an argument that foreigners should be locked out, rather they should be allowed into the country under conditions favourable to Kenyans, the Nation and of course the investor. If PS Ndemo proceeds with his new policy lacking significant amendments, while saying he has discussed it with stakeholders, there will be no point in participating in sham PR exercises that give the false appearance of consultative meetings. It is good see the debate take a Pan African dimension on other lists with views from other continental Africans and it is evident the present day issue of economic sovereignty also afflicts other nations such as Uganda. I believe that an appropriate forum should host the policy discussions and until then, new policy should be suspended until the public and stakeholders have provided their input. The IGF would be great however it may not be within the scope of the IGF to do so. However if others do agree then let it be so. PO On Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:18:19 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >Peterson, > >Yes, i did spend sometime with this piece and it does echoes >exactly >our considerations. I think we agree on the principles of >empowering >local entrepeurs and investors to pitch up in a globalised >context. > >I would submit that the relevant forum, ie KICTANET or KICTB etc >should table a policy discussion on the various options and lets >apply our minds seriously to the substance and come out with a >clear >"win-win" situation because to a large extent i agree with PS >Ndemo >that we should not let the opportunity of outsourcing pass us by >but >we need to engage with the best output. > >One suggestion would be to include this in the Kenya IGF that is >coming up or in the EA IGF discussions or an entirely different >forum. > >Eric here > > >On 11 Oct 2008, at 16:12, mwananchi(a)hushmail.com wrote: > >> Dear Eric, >> >> Some weekend reading for you, this article was directed at NEPAD >> and the then Finance Minister and it covers some of the issues >we >> have been discussing. >> >> Africa, Kimunya should seek monetary policies that serve local >> interests >> >http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8 >2 >> 62&Itemid=5821 >> >> "This, however, remains the quintessential question of African >> development: how to achieve economic independence in an >> international and regional context where the profit motives of >most >> investors and lenders rarely correspond to our growth and >> development goals." >> >> We simply cannot achieve economic independence when over 80 >percent >> of the economy is in the hands of foreigners more so non >Africans >> and PS Ndemo now wants to eliminate indigenous ownership >> requirements. Local ownership requirements did not deter the >> credible and serious Zain's, Vodafone's, France Telecom's, >Altech's >> of this world from coming into Kenya. Has PS Ndemo forgotten >that >> Kenya's FDI in the last year rose by over 1300 percent? >> >> Is it fair that some local individuals could use multiple >separate >> companies in which they have substantial shareholding so as to >> maximize their effective share of TEAMS while other legitimate >> local and international investors are locked out? These and >other >> criteria (total beneficial ownership etc) need to be looked at >and >> analysed to get to the core of the matter. >> >> It is a pity that PS Ndemo seems to believe that it is a bad >thing >> when Peterson asks the Government to listen to local investors >and >> take their interests into consideration while striking a balance >in >> the same way he listens to foreign investors and makes arbitrary >> non-consultative policy changes just because the Nesbitt's of >this >> world (who already have a tax holiday) have already arm twisted >him >> behind closed doors into submission. We want these unnamed >vested >> interests to take their case to the Kenyan public and to stop >> coercing public servants behind closed doors, if they can >convince >> the public openly that what they need is good for Kenya then the >> public through their representatives will effect such changes >> openly and transparently. >> >> As for the other matters, they don't require endorsement or >> agreement, the facts stand on their own, they are facts anyone >can >> verify by going to the High Court registrar, providing the case >> number and obtaining the same documents and rulings. The near >> collapse and disrespect of our institutions is as a result of >the >> permeation and embrace of a culture of impunity. If these >> institutions were respected by among others, PS Ndemo, it would >not >> be an issue affecting the nation. >> >> I challenge anyone with any contradicting documents to dispute >the >> facts by presenting the same rather than attempting to >assassinate >> the messenger for blowing the whistle. >> >> Have a good weekend. >> >> Regards, >> >> Peterson >> >> On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:38:36 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" >> <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >>> Dear Peterson, >>> >>> I go with you on the wheel that the vested interest of the >country >>> in >>> paramount..... >>> >>> The elements of my case though disappointing, i went with the >>> established criteria since was applied across board but then in >>> the >>> situation where most of the local companies are majority owned >by >>> non- >>> Africans, then one needs to look into the criteria again. >>> >>> The larger question, we need to raise is how do we ensure that >the >>> >>> interest of other African investors can be unheld in another >>> African >>> jurisdiction, in the context of developing Africa by Africans. >You >>> >>> know the TEAMS process is still ongoing so lets allow the >>> establish >>> procedures and policies to work, am patient and dont have any >hard >>> >>> feelings at all. >>> >>> The other big question that we need to answer is, these huge >>> infrastructure projects require huge sums of money, personally >am >>> not >>> a deep pocket in that sense but at least i can raise the money, >>> may >>> be from another African country or worse case outside the >>> continent >>> if the amounts are way over. The TEAMS model where public funds >>> are >>> used to underwrite the risk in order to ensure that the entry >>> barriers for investment are minimised so local investors and >>> entrepreneurs can participate are innovative and i personally >want >>> to >>> give the TEAMS model a chance to succeed. We as Africans need >to >>> evolve solutions to our unique problems, ofcourse borrowing in >>> same >>> cases from others who have gone ahead. >>> >>> Unfortunately, i would have to distant myself from some of the >>> allegations though you establish them on factual basis, it >would >>> be >>> good for the right authorities to follow it through so that we >>> have >>> conclusive situations. Also, those involved must be given a >chance >>> to >>> present their side of the argument so that those in this forum >can >>> be >>> more knowledgable. Again, if we can keep it tactful, then the >>> common >>> good is preserved for the sake of posterity. >>> >>> Have a good weekend, good people. >>> >>> >>> >>> On 10 Oct 2008, at 20:16, mwananchi(a)hushmail.com wrote: >>> >>>> Dear Eric, >>>> >>>> At the end of the day, Kenyans only want the best for our >>> nation. >>>> Kenyans certainly are not against beneficial foreign direct >>>> investment and welcome it provided it is conducted under >>> policies >>>> that result in a win-win situation for Kenyans and the >investor. >>>> Unfortunately the country's policies particularly those being >>>> fronted now do not reflect that wish, which is why it is >>> important >>>> that the Government pay attention to what local and would be >>>> international investors are saying and strike a balance that >is >>> a >>>> win-win for both. >>>> >>>> In your case, had PS Ndemo stuck with his proposal that he >made >>> in >>>> 2007, Internet Research would not be experiencing any hurdles. >>> The >>>> local component would also have been preserved in a manner not >>>> detrimental to your company. >>>> >>>> I hope that PS Ndemo will address the issue of your company. >>> Kenya >>>> as an African country should not be deterring Kenyan or any >>> other >>>> African investors who are credible and who operate and respect >>> our >>>> laws and institutions instead of trampling them underfoot and >in >>>> the one case that has been mentioned, deliberately failing to >>> meet >>>> their obligations for over 4 years. These are the same types >of >>>> investors who have been rejected by Altech, the nations of >Papua >>>> New Guinea, Malawi, Nigeria. The same characters who failed to >>> meet >>>> their licence obligations for years in New Zealand and were >>> lucky >>>> to get token percentage ownership of what was left when >credible >>>> investors took over and who in Lesotho have been engaged in >tax >>> and >>>> roaming link frauds. >>>> >>>> http://rapidshare.com/files/152715858/fraud_in_lesotho.pdf >>>> >>>> They finally found a safe haven to land in Kenya embraced by a >>>> culture of impunity where it does not matter if you meet your >>>> obligations or if you operate with cancelled licences provided >>>> powerful vested interests pave and coerce the way for you. >>>> >>>> When we reject investors whom we know such as Eric and embrace >>>> undesirable investors instead, it shows why we precisely are >>>> lagging behind in FDI. Indeed if Kenya gave investors 5 years >as >>> it >>>> did in this particular case to pay licencing fees, the country >>>> would be overwhelmed with numerous investors. As the occassion >>> of >>>> Moi Day graces us today, the Moi government despite its many >>> flaws >>>> was quick to realize what type of animal this was and >correctly >>>> rejected them not just once but twice. >>>> >>>> Peterson >>>> >>>> On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:31:48 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" >>>> <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >>>>> Dear Peterson, >>>>> >>>>> Thanks for establishing a set of facts and am sure the right >>>>> people >>>>> would respond to the issues you have riased. I hope the >>> discussion >>>>> >>>>> would continue on a factual basis and not degenerate. >>>>> >>>>> I want to also present one set of facts regarding my >>> participation >>>>> in >>>>> the TEAMS project. My company, Internet Research went through >>> the >>>>> >>>>> entire process and indeed qualified to be allocated shares >but >>> at >>>>> one >>>>> of the proposed shareholders meeting, the issue of local >>> ownership >>>>> >>>>> came up. >>>>> >> >> -- >> Learn from the comfort of your home. Choose your degree and >> receive a free info pak. >> http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/ >> Ioyw6h4eS5zglpKiYQ1E4QV7ya3V7OQilSPtQZA6nTe5QdbJulIxcO/ >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ >> mailman/options/kictanet/emko%40internetresearch.com.gh >> > >Eric M.K Osiakwan >ICT Integrator >Internet Research >www.internetresearch.com.gh >emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh >42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 2031 >Fax: +233.21.258811 >Cell: +233.24.4386792 -- Suffering from back pain? Click now for the latest treatment options! http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4eyKVlbJeKV9y8heuwIbU9qrkHdp372nIDg38V…

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Fello Kenyans I am actually amazed by what PS Ndemo is trying to do with the assistance of some people who are just out to make a quick kill. I was at the Strathmore ICT conference and was suprised the way PS Ndemo was actually talking about what he does not practise. PS Ndemo talked about the students participating in start ups and also being assisted in business incubationn. How can students from Kenya be innovators when all business investments are supposed to be owned by foreigners? I listened to Mr Paul Kukubo who rushed to the defense of private sector when one of the participant asked CBA, Safariicom, and other private companies what they were doing to assist students in achieving dreams and nurturing innovation. Paul Kukubo, instead of leaving the private sectoor to answer, rushed to their defence and said that the private sector cannot do that because they are not venture capitalist. So sad Kenyans. So sad when you hear that. There is a clause of CSR on the business lincense whicch these companies are given and when Paul rush to defend companies then you realise what kind of mess we are in. I have nothing against Paul and really admire his work but let me tell you Kamotho, Alex, Maina, and all that our children and us cannot be innovators and good investors when we buildd the mentality that the foreigners are the best. The people who pose as the foreigners are actually local corrupt officials and so opportunity must be given equally. The said foreigners all come and borrow in Kenyan banks and use Kenyan expertise and those who have trried to use pure foreign expertise have failed. Kenyans lets wake up and stop seeing our children and ourselves as stupid. We are smart and caan make it and KICTANET should support us on this and not stop the people who expose cons. The cons in ICT must be stopped on their tracks. Njeri Rionge, Kukubo, Dr Adera, Gilda, Alice Kinyua, bernard Kioko, Moses Kemobaro are all local guys really setting up the pace and trend in ICt in this country. They didd what they did because they were given a chance. We must stop Dr Ndemo from giving foreigners exclusive righst in ripping this country. We have no apologies for the crooked people who have all thought that we can just spit on locals like Nick Nesbitt and Crystal watley have tried to do here. We dont owe Nick and Crystal anything. They owe us alot Regards JM ----- Original Message ---- From: kamotho Njenga <kamothonjenga(a)gmail.com> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 5:51:39 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests Seems like the polemical arsenal and vitriol is now shifting towards my direction. I humbly rest my case on this issue. Another topic might be a better idea for us. Kamotho Njenga On Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 8:30 PM, <mwananchi(a)hushmail.com> wrote: Kamotho, If the issues are too intertwined for you to follow then you should say so and ask for simplification to enhance your ability to follow through and distinguish what is what. Nonetheless, has PS Ndemo denied the occurrence of any the facts? What PS Ndemo has, is a different interpretation of the facts and how they took place. There is no issue personally with PS Ndemo, what there are issues with are specific actions he is carrying out while in his capacity as a public servant. - Ndemo admitted he signed an MOU with Libyans. - Ndemo admitted that before he left for Malaysia he made pronouncements about changes in local shareholding requirements - Ndemo admitted he signed a "settlement agreement" with a certain foreign company - Ndemo admitted there are problems with current investment policies PS Ndemo is public servant who serves the Kenyan public not just special interests in Kictanet. If other Wananchi have found it on their own accord to forward discussions to other forums then do your duty to take it up as an issue on those forums. As PS Ndemo says, there is nothing to hide! In the same spirit of openness, Ndemo's response has also been cross posted on other discussion lists by other listers who saw it fit to do so. You see Kamotho, you've not presented a single iota of evidence or fact, just empty rhetoric and belligerence. If you have any facts, have conducted any investigations, gone to the relevant High Court registrars, consulted the Attorney General, gone to archives to determine whether what Ndemo said has been manufactured and contradicts what has been shared here, then by all means speedily share the documents and facts, debunk each specific fact and let these matters be put to rest. PS Ndemo is free to start a lawsuit against the High Court of South Africa, the High Court of Kenya and any other party all from which the facts have been sourced from so that the same facts can be gladly repeated and established under oath and public record. It is however understandable that belligerent empty rhetoric seems to be the only defence one can possibly turn to in a feeble attempt of censorship when faced with indisputable facts. Good day. Peterson On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:21:11 +0000 kamotho Njenga <kamothonjenga(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Friends, > >Beyond question, Kenyans have a right to seek information as well >clarity >on any issue pertinent to the ICT sector.That right includes >expressing >views on matters where in ones opinion a route less than optimal >in their >opinion has been followed. The freedom of expression is not a >preserve to >any individual or group. But as a necessity such fundamental >rights must be >exercised within some confines of responsibility, propriety and >decorum. > >Without over generalizing, this is the first time that allegations >have been >pursued with profundity, relentlessness and zeal of a unique >magnitude and >has been extended beyond KICTANET. For I have personally received >similar >messages in my other mail accounts that are not subscribed to this >forum. >The personalized overtones that have accompanied the pursuit of >this matter >whose goal is yet to be specified can neither be denied nor >ignored. > >What is not in dispute is that the drivers of these allegations >have their >issues mixed up.At one point their claim is on MOUs, the next is >on >localization and at times its on "crooks" and so on. In a >nutshell; alot of >generalities and unguided missile whose clear intention is to >finish >somebody in one way or the other. Its so evident that there is an >unwavering >struggle to demonise the PS by depicting him in bad light. Since >then, the >PS has come out clearly on all points of accusations never mind >that all the >allegations are anchored on conjecture. > >On this basis and on the premise of objectivity, one canly >conclude that the >authors of these allegations are at best riding on the back of far >fetched >malice and wallowing entirely in the miasma of hollow vendetta.The >alarmist >tell tales (Whistle blowing/Whistling) should be dismissed with >all the >contempt they deserve. > > >Kamotho Njenga > > > > >On Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 6:12 AM, <mwananchi(a)hushmail.com> wrote: > >> Dear Eric, >> >> Some weekend reading for you, this article was directed at NEPAD >> and the then Finance Minister and it covers some of the issues >we >> have been discussing. >> >> Africa, Kimunya should seek monetary policies that serve local >> interests >> >http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8 >2 >> >62&Itemid=5821<http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content >&task=view&id=8262&Itemid=5821> >> >> "This, however, remains the quintessential question of African >> development: how to achieve economic independence in an >> international and regional context where the profit motives of >most >> investors and lenders rarely correspond to our growth and >> development goals." >> >> We simply cannot achieve economic independence when over 80 >percent >> of the economy is in the hands of foreigners more so non >Africans >> and PS Ndemo now wants to eliminate indigenous ownership >> requirements. Local ownership requirements did not deter the >> credible and serious Zain's, Vodafone's, France Telecom's, >Altech's >> of this world from coming into Kenya. Has PS Ndemo forgotten >that >> Kenya's FDI in the last year rose by over 1300 percent? >> >> Is it fair that some local individuals could use multiple >separate >> companies in which they have substantial shareholding so as to >> maximize their effective share of TEAMS while other legitimate >> local and international investors are locked out? These and >other >> criteria (total beneficial ownership etc) need to be looked at >and >> analysed to get to the core of the matter. >> >> It is a pity that PS Ndemo seems to believe that it is a bad >thing >> when Peterson asks the Government to listen to local investors >and >> take their interests into consideration while striking a balance >in >> the same way he listens to foreign investors and makes arbitrary >> non-consultative policy changes just because the Nesbitt's of >this >> world (who already have a tax holiday) have already arm twisted >him >> behind closed doors into submission. We want these unnamed >vested >> interests to take their case to the Kenyan public and to stop >> coercing public servants behind closed doors, if they can >convince >> the public openly that what they need is good for Kenya then the >> public through their representatives will effect such changes >> openly and transparently. >> >> As for the other matters, they don't require endorsement or >> agreement, the facts stand on their own, they are facts anyone >can >> verify by going to the High Court registrar, providing the case >> number and obtaining the same documents and rulings. The near >> collapse and disrespect of our institutions is as a result of >the >> permeation and embrace of a culture of impunity. If these >> institutions were respected by among others, PS Ndemo, it would >not >> be an issue affecting the nation. >> >> I challenge anyone with any contradicting documents to dispute >the >> facts by presenting the same rather than attempting to >assassinate >> the messenger for blowing the whistle. >> >> Have a good weekend. >> >> Regards, >> >> Peterson >> >> On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:38:36 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" >> <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >> >Dear Peterson, >> > >> >I go with you on the wheel that the vested interest of the >country >> >in >> >paramount..... >> > >> >The elements of my case though disappointing, i went with the >> >established criteria since was applied across board but then in >> >the >> >situation where most of the local companies are majority owned >by >> >non- >> >Africans, then one needs to look into the criteria again. >> > >> >The larger question, we need to raise is how do we ensure that >the >> > >> >interest of other African investors can be unheld in another >> >African >> >jurisdiction, in the context of developing Africa by Africans. >You >> > >> >know the TEAMS process is still ongoing so lets allow the >> >establish >> >procedures and policies to work, am patient and dont have any >hard >> > >> >feelings at all. >> > >> >The other big question that we need to answer is, these huge >> >infrastructure projects require huge sums of money, personally >am >> >not >> >a deep pocket in that sense but at least i can raise the money, >> >may >> >be from another African country or worse case outside the >> >continent >> >if the amounts are way over. The TEAMS model where public funds >> >are >> >used to underwrite the risk in order to ensure that the entry >> >barriers for investment are minimised so local investors and >> >entrepreneurs can participate are innovative and i personally >want >> >to >> >give the TEAMS model a chance to succeed. We as Africans need >to >> >evolve solutions to our unique problems, ofcourse borrowing in >> >same >> >cases from others who have gone ahead. >> > >> >Unfortunately, i would have to distant myself from some of the >> >allegations though you establish them on factual basis, it >would >> >be >> >good for the right authorities to follow it through so that we >> >have >> >conclusive situations. Also, those involved must be given a >chance >> >to >> >present their side of the argument so that those in this forum >can >> >be >> >more knowledgable. Again, if we can keep it tactful, then the >> >common >> >good is preserved for the sake of posterity. >> > >> >Have a good weekend, good people. >> > >> > >> > >> >On 10 Oct 2008, at 20:16, mwananchi(a)hushmail.com wrote: >> > >> >> Dear Eric, >> >> >> >> At the end of the day, Kenyans only want the best for our >> >nation. >> >> Kenyans certainly are not against beneficial foreign direct >> >> investment and welcome it provided it is conducted under >> >policies >> >> that result in a win-win situation for Kenyans and the >investor. >> >> Unfortunately the country's policies particularly those being >> >> fronted now do not reflect that wish, which is why it is >> >important >> >> that the Government pay attention to what local and would be >> >> international investors are saying and strike a balance that >is >> >a >> >> win-win for both. >> >> >> >> In your case, had PS Ndemo stuck with his proposal that he >made >> >in >> >> 2007, Internet Research would not be experiencing any >hurdles. >> >The >> >> local component would also have been preserved in a manner >not >> >> detrimental to your company. >> >> >> >> I hope that PS Ndemo will address the issue of your company. >> >Kenya >> >> as an African country should not be deterring Kenyan or any >> >other >> >> African investors who are credible and who operate and >respect >> >our >> >> laws and institutions instead of trampling them underfoot and >in >> >> the one case that has been mentioned, deliberately failing to >> >meet >> >> their obligations for over 4 years. These are the same types >of >> >> investors who have been rejected by Altech, the nations of >Papua >> >> New Guinea, Malawi, Nigeria. The same characters who failed >to >> >meet >> >> their licence obligations for years in New Zealand and were >> >lucky >> >> to get token percentage ownership of what was left when >credible >> >> investors took over and who in Lesotho have been engaged in >tax >> >and >> >> roaming link frauds. >> >> >> >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152715858/fraud_in_lesotho.pdf >> >> >> >> They finally found a safe haven to land in Kenya embraced by >a >> >> culture of impunity where it does not matter if you meet your >> >> obligations or if you operate with cancelled licences >provided >> >> powerful vested interests pave and coerce the way for you. >> >> >> >> When we reject investors whom we know such as Eric and >embrace >> >> undesirable investors instead, it shows why we precisely are >> >> lagging behind in FDI. Indeed if Kenya gave investors 5 years >as >> >it >> >> did in this particular case to pay licencing fees, the >country >> >> would be overwhelmed with numerous investors. As the >occassion >> >of >> >> Moi Day graces us today, the Moi government despite its many >> >flaws >> >> was quick to realize what type of animal this was and >correctly >> >> rejected them not just once but twice. >> >> >> >> Peterson >> >> >> >> On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:31:48 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" >> >> <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >> >>> Dear Peterson, >> >>> >> >>> Thanks for establishing a set of facts and am sure the right >> >>> people >> >>> would respond to the issues you have riased. I hope the >> >discussion >> >>> >> >>> would continue on a factual basis and not degenerate. >> >>> >> >>> I want to also present one set of facts regarding my >> >participation >> >>> in >> >>> the TEAMS project. My company, Internet Research went >through >> >the >> >>> >> >>> entire process and indeed qualified to be allocated shares >but >> >at >> >>> one >> >>> of the proposed shareholders meeting, the issue of local >> >ownership >> >>> >> >>> came up. >> >>> >> >> -- >> Learn from the comfort of your home. Choose your degree and >receive a free >> info pak. >> >> >http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4eS5zglpKiYQ1E4QV7ya3V7OQilSPt >QZA6nTe5QdbJulIxcO/ >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: kamothonjenga(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kamothonjenga% >40gmail.com >> -- Click here to find the perfect picture with our powerful photo search features. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4dI2fuQk9musd2YGyqHzxlI5AZaivXRccLVnr9… _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: kamothonjenga(a)gmail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kamothonjenga%40gmail.…

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Ndugu Dr Ndemo is stopping Kenyans from owning Telecos and thats the crux of the matter. Dr Ndemo sees it fit to engage shoddy people posing as foreigners to loot this country withoutt quality but just by registering companies ion Dubai and wherever Dr Ndemo is the enemy of Kenyans and not anybody else JM ----- Original Message ---- From: aki <aki275(a)googlemail.com> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 10:42:01 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests Dear Dr Ndemo and all, I beg to differ with the point raised so far. My opinion as a techie much lower in the food chain, we deal with logics. And the logic so far is as follows, which makes its even more interesting and since no one is mixing words, actually bordering on the egde of a conspiracy.... but I'll leave the strong words and chain of events for you all to figure out. It seems the bone of contention is the local share holdings portion but seems from the emails there are other agendas involved, including justifying " nationalism". So lets raise the questions, regarding the percentage of local ownership shareholdings in telco sector : 1) Why is this such a problem and to whom? 2) What lack of benefits will result from a 100% owned telcos and to whom? 3) What kenyas will suffer from the lack of ownership in such telcos? 4) Who are these kenyans who want to be part of the telcos and for some reason are going to be stopped ? 5) Where is the money coming from, for kenyans to own shares in the telco sectors? In a nutshell, it is becoming clear that some are going to feel the pinch of a complete open market and will use tactics like corruption, name calling and etc to try and stop the messenger ( Bwana PS ) from implementing the necessary changes. I short, I suspect there is something much much bigger going on here. I hope someone with an insight into this will open up the entire story and LAY IT BARE. If you need to ban me from this list then go ahead, I'm getting bored with the one way traffic from the so called protectors of kenyan interests. Who are they? What interests do they have? Rgds.

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Ndugu Dr Ndemo is stopping Kenyans from owning Telecos and thats the crux of the matter. Dr Ndemo sees it fit to engage shoddy people posing as foreigners to loot this country withoutt quality but just by registering companies ion Dubai and wherever Dr Ndemo is the enemy of Kenyans and not anybody else JM ----- Original Message ---- From: aki <aki275(a)googlemail.com> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 10:42:01 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests Dear Dr Ndemo and all, I beg to differ with the point raised so far. My opinion as a techie much lower in the food chain, we deal with logics. And the logic so far is as follows, which makes its even more interesting and since no one is mixing words, actually bordering on the egde of a conspiracy.... but I'll leave the strong words and chain of events for you all to figure out. It seems the bone of contention is the local share holdings portion but seems from the emails there are other agendas involved, including justifying " nationalism". So lets raise the questions, regarding the percentage of local ownership shareholdings in telco sector : 1) Why is this such a problem and to whom? 2) What lack of benefits will result from a 100% owned telcos and to whom? 3) What kenyas will suffer from the lack of ownership in such telcos? 4) Who are these kenyans who want to be part of the telcos and for some reason are going to be stopped ? 5) Where is the money coming from, for kenyans to own shares in the telco sectors? In a nutshell, it is becoming clear that some are going to feel the pinch of a complete open market and will use tactics like corruption, name calling and etc to try and stop the messenger ( Bwana PS ) from implementing the necessary changes. I short, I suspect there is something much much bigger going on here. I hope someone with an insight into this will open up the entire story and LAY IT BARE. If you need to ban me from this list then go ahead, I'm getting bored with the one way traffic from the so called protectors of kenyan interests. Who are they? What interests do they have? Rgds.

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Registration
by n_macharia＠yahoo.co.uk 13 Oct '08

13 Oct '08

I would like to join this very informative forum n share with ICT colleagues. Hope to be included in the mailing list henceforth. Nancy macharia Sent from my BlackBerry®

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 13 Oct '08

13 Oct '08

Kamotho, If the issues are too intertwined for you to follow then you should say so and ask for simplification to enhance your ability to follow through and distinguish what is what. Nonetheless, has PS Ndemo denied the occurrence of any the facts? What PS Ndemo has, is a different interpretation of the facts and how they took place. There is no issue personally with PS Ndemo, what there are issues with are specific actions he is carrying out while in his capacity as a public servant. - Ndemo admitted he signed an MOU with Libyans. - Ndemo admitted that before he left for Malaysia he made pronouncements about changes in local shareholding requirements - Ndemo admitted he signed a "settlement agreement" with a certain foreign company - Ndemo admitted there are problems with current investment policies PS Ndemo is public servant who serves the Kenyan public not just special interests in Kictanet. If other Wananchi have found it on their own accord to forward discussions to other forums then do your duty to take it up as an issue on those forums. As PS Ndemo says, there is nothing to hide! In the same spirit of openness, Ndemo's response has also been cross posted on other discussion lists by other listers who saw it fit to do so. You see Kamotho, you've not presented a single iota of evidence or fact, just empty rhetoric and belligerence. If you have any facts, have conducted any investigations, gone to the relevant High Court registrars, consulted the Attorney General, gone to archives to determine whether what Ndemo said has been manufactured and contradicts what has been shared here, then by all means speedily share the documents and facts, debunk each specific fact and let these matters be put to rest. PS Ndemo is free to start a lawsuit against the High Court of South Africa, the High Court of Kenya and any other party all from which the facts have been sourced from so that the same facts can be gladly repeated and established under oath and public record. It is however understandable that belligerent empty rhetoric seems to be the only defence one can possibly turn to in a feeble attempt of censorship when faced with indisputable facts. Good day. Peterson On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:21:11 +0000 kamotho Njenga <kamothonjenga(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Friends, > >Beyond question, Kenyans have a right to seek information as well >clarity >on any issue pertinent to the ICT sector.That right includes >expressing >views on matters where in ones opinion a route less than optimal >in their >opinion has been followed. The freedom of expression is not a >preserve to >any individual or group. But as a necessity such fundamental >rights must be >exercised within some confines of responsibility, propriety and >decorum. > >Without over generalizing, this is the first time that allegations >have been >pursued with profundity, relentlessness and zeal of a unique >magnitude and >has been extended beyond KICTANET. For I have personally received >similar >messages in my other mail accounts that are not subscribed to this >forum. >The personalized overtones that have accompanied the pursuit of >this matter >whose goal is yet to be specified can neither be denied nor >ignored. > >What is not in dispute is that the drivers of these allegations >have their >issues mixed up.At one point their claim is on MOUs, the next is >on >localization and at times its on "crooks" and so on. In a >nutshell; alot of >generalities and unguided missile whose clear intention is to >finish >somebody in one way or the other. Its so evident that there is an >unwavering >struggle to demonise the PS by depicting him in bad light. Since >then, the >PS has come out clearly on all points of accusations never mind >that all the >allegations are anchored on conjecture. > >On this basis and on the premise of objectivity, one canly >conclude that the >authors of these allegations are at best riding on the back of far >fetched >malice and wallowing entirely in the miasma of hollow vendetta.The >alarmist >tell tales (Whistle blowing/Whistling) should be dismissed with >all the >contempt they deserve. > > >Kamotho Njenga > > > > >On Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 6:12 AM, <mwananchi(a)hushmail.com> wrote: > >> Dear Eric, >> >> Some weekend reading for you, this article was directed at NEPAD >> and the then Finance Minister and it covers some of the issues >we >> have been discussing. >> >> Africa, Kimunya should seek monetary policies that serve local >> interests >> >http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8 >2 >> >62&Itemid=5821<http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content >&task=view&id=8262&Itemid=5821> >> >> "This, however, remains the quintessential question of African >> development: how to achieve economic independence in an >> international and regional context where the profit motives of >most >> investors and lenders rarely correspond to our growth and >> development goals." >> >> We simply cannot achieve economic independence when over 80 >percent >> of the economy is in the hands of foreigners more so non >Africans >> and PS Ndemo now wants to eliminate indigenous ownership >> requirements. Local ownership requirements did not deter the >> credible and serious Zain's, Vodafone's, France Telecom's, >Altech's >> of this world from coming into Kenya. Has PS Ndemo forgotten >that >> Kenya's FDI in the last year rose by over 1300 percent? >> >> Is it fair that some local individuals could use multiple >separate >> companies in which they have substantial shareholding so as to >> maximize their effective share of TEAMS while other legitimate >> local and international investors are locked out? These and >other >> criteria (total beneficial ownership etc) need to be looked at >and >> analysed to get to the core of the matter. >> >> It is a pity that PS Ndemo seems to believe that it is a bad >thing >> when Peterson asks the Government to listen to local investors >and >> take their interests into consideration while striking a balance >in >> the same way he listens to foreign investors and makes arbitrary >> non-consultative policy changes just because the Nesbitt's of >this >> world (who already have a tax holiday) have already arm twisted >him >> behind closed doors into submission. We want these unnamed >vested >> interests to take their case to the Kenyan public and to stop >> coercing public servants behind closed doors, if they can >convince >> the public openly that what they need is good for Kenya then the >> public through their representatives will effect such changes >> openly and transparently. >> >> As for the other matters, they don't require endorsement or >> agreement, the facts stand on their own, they are facts anyone >can >> verify by going to the High Court registrar, providing the case >> number and obtaining the same documents and rulings. The near >> collapse and disrespect of our institutions is as a result of >the >> permeation and embrace of a culture of impunity. If these >> institutions were respected by among others, PS Ndemo, it would >not >> be an issue affecting the nation. >> >> I challenge anyone with any contradicting documents to dispute >the >> facts by presenting the same rather than attempting to >assassinate >> the messenger for blowing the whistle. >> >> Have a good weekend. >> >> Regards, >> >> Peterson >> >> On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:38:36 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" >> <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >> >Dear Peterson, >> > >> >I go with you on the wheel that the vested interest of the >country >> >in >> >paramount..... >> > >> >The elements of my case though disappointing, i went with the >> >established criteria since was applied across board but then in >> >the >> >situation where most of the local companies are majority owned >by >> >non- >> >Africans, then one needs to look into the criteria again. >> > >> >The larger question, we need to raise is how do we ensure that >the >> > >> >interest of other African investors can be unheld in another >> >African >> >jurisdiction, in the context of developing Africa by Africans. >You >> > >> >know the TEAMS process is still ongoing so lets allow the >> >establish >> >procedures and policies to work, am patient and dont have any >hard >> > >> >feelings at all. >> > >> >The other big question that we need to answer is, these huge >> >infrastructure projects require huge sums of money, personally >am >> >not >> >a deep pocket in that sense but at least i can raise the money, >> >may >> >be from another African country or worse case outside the >> >continent >> >if the amounts are way over. The TEAMS model where public funds >> >are >> >used to underwrite the risk in order to ensure that the entry >> >barriers for investment are minimised so local investors and >> >entrepreneurs can participate are innovative and i personally >want >> >to >> >give the TEAMS model a chance to succeed. We as Africans need >to >> >evolve solutions to our unique problems, ofcourse borrowing in >> >same >> >cases from others who have gone ahead. >> > >> >Unfortunately, i would have to distant myself from some of the >> >allegations though you establish them on factual basis, it >would >> >be >> >good for the right authorities to follow it through so that we >> >have >> >conclusive situations. Also, those involved must be given a >chance >> >to >> >present their side of the argument so that those in this forum >can >> >be >> >more knowledgable. Again, if we can keep it tactful, then the >> >common >> >good is preserved for the sake of posterity. >> > >> >Have a good weekend, good people. >> > >> > >> > >> >On 10 Oct 2008, at 20:16, mwananchi(a)hushmail.com wrote: >> > >> >> Dear Eric, >> >> >> >> At the end of the day, Kenyans only want the best for our >> >nation. >> >> Kenyans certainly are not against beneficial foreign direct >> >> investment and welcome it provided it is conducted under >> >policies >> >> that result in a win-win situation for Kenyans and the >investor. >> >> Unfortunately the country's policies particularly those being >> >> fronted now do not reflect that wish, which is why it is >> >important >> >> that the Government pay attention to what local and would be >> >> international investors are saying and strike a balance that >is >> >a >> >> win-win for both. >> >> >> >> In your case, had PS Ndemo stuck with his proposal that he >made >> >in >> >> 2007, Internet Research would not be experiencing any >hurdles. >> >The >> >> local component would also have been preserved in a manner >not >> >> detrimental to your company. >> >> >> >> I hope that PS Ndemo will address the issue of your company. >> >Kenya >> >> as an African country should not be deterring Kenyan or any >> >other >> >> African investors who are credible and who operate and >respect >> >our >> >> laws and institutions instead of trampling them underfoot and >in >> >> the one case that has been mentioned, deliberately failing to >> >meet >> >> their obligations for over 4 years. These are the same types >of >> >> investors who have been rejected by Altech, the nations of >Papua >> >> New Guinea, Malawi, Nigeria. The same characters who failed >to >> >meet >> >> their licence obligations for years in New Zealand and were >> >lucky >> >> to get token percentage ownership of what was left when >credible >> >> investors took over and who in Lesotho have been engaged in >tax >> >and >> >> roaming link frauds. >> >> >> >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152715858/fraud_in_lesotho.pdf >> >> >> >> They finally found a safe haven to land in Kenya embraced by >a >> >> culture of impunity where it does not matter if you meet your >> >> obligations or if you operate with cancelled licences >provided >> >> powerful vested interests pave and coerce the way for you. >> >> >> >> When we reject investors whom we know such as Eric and >embrace >> >> undesirable investors instead, it shows why we precisely are >> >> lagging behind in FDI. Indeed if Kenya gave investors 5 years >as >> >it >> >> did in this particular case to pay licencing fees, the >country >> >> would be overwhelmed with numerous investors. As the >occassion >> >of >> >> Moi Day graces us today, the Moi government despite its many >> >flaws >> >> was quick to realize what type of animal this was and >correctly >> >> rejected them not just once but twice. >> >> >> >> Peterson >> >> >> >> On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:31:48 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" >> >> <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >> >>> Dear Peterson, >> >>> >> >>> Thanks for establishing a set of facts and am sure the right >> >>> people >> >>> would respond to the issues you have riased. I hope the >> >discussion >> >>> >> >>> would continue on a factual basis and not degenerate. >> >>> >> >>> I want to also present one set of facts regarding my >> >participation >> >>> in >> >>> the TEAMS project. My company, Internet Research went >through >> >the >> >>> >> >>> entire process and indeed qualified to be allocated shares >but >> >at >> >>> one >> >>> of the proposed shareholders meeting, the issue of local >> >ownership >> >>> >> >>> came up. >> >>> >> >> -- >> Learn from the comfort of your home. Choose your degree and >receive a free >> info pak. >> >> >http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4eS5zglpKiYQ1E4QV7ya3V7OQilSPt >QZA6nTe5QdbJulIxcO/ >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: kamothonjenga(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kamothonjenga% >40gmail.com >> -- Click here to find the perfect picture with our powerful photo search features. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4dI2fuQk9musd2YGyqHzxlI5AZaivXRccLVnr9…

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Kenya Internet Governance Forum (Kenya IGF) - Tomorrow
by Harry Hare 13 Oct '08

13 Oct '08

Just a reminder for those wishing to attend this forum and also to confirm that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communication and the Director General of Communication Commission of Kenya have confirmed their participation. If you have not confirmed your participation, and you wish to attend, please do so before the end of business today to help us with the planning. Kindest Regards Harry +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Colleagues The Kenya ICT Board (KICTB) in conjunction with the Kenya Network Information Centre (KENIC), the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), the East African ICT for Development Network (EA ICT4D) and other participating organisations are pleased to announce the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (Kenya IGF) to be held on the 14th of October, 2008 at the Jacaranda hotel in Westlands. The Kenya IGF will offer a central forum through which Internet stakeholders in Kenya can contribute to the global Internet Governance Forum. The Kenya IGF is a follow up to the KICTANet mailing list discussions on Internet Governance, which were held in August 2008, and aimed at beginning to identify and explore national level Internet Governance issues. The national forum aims at: · creating awareness on IGF issues, · instituting a consensus building process to develop a common understanding of Kenyan Internet Governance issues and · building policy capacity in order to enable meaningful participation in global Internet policy, governance and development. The outcome of the Kenya IGF will be collated with that from the other national IGF¹s which will take place in Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, to form the agenda for the East African IGF (EAIGF) scheduled for 10th-12th November 2008, Nairobi Kenya. As a key player in the Internet industry, it is my pleasure to invite you to the Kenya IGF. Below is a summary of the programme: ++++++++++++++++++++++ 08:45 - 09:00 Registration 09:00 - 09:10 Opening Remarks - Paul Kukubo, CEO, KICTB 09:10 - 09:30 What is internet governance and why should we care? - Brian Longwe/KENIC 09:30 - 10:00 Kenyan stakeholders IG issues: KICTANet Online Discussion Report; validating issues discussed John Walubengo/Mwende Njiraini 10:00 - 10:10 Government & the IGF Charles J. K. Njoroge, Director General, CCK 10:10 - 10:30 Official Launch of Kenya IGF - Dr. Bitange Ndemo, PS, Ministry of Information & Communications 10:30 - 11:00 Coffee Break 11:00 - 11:30 So what are Kenya¹s Priority IG issues? Issue Prioritization & Consensus - KICTANet/KENIC 11:30 - 12:00 What Policy and Technical capacity do we need to engage? Identifying Issues for Capacity Building John Walubengo/Mwende Njiraini 12:00 - 12:30 Closing Remarks/Vote of Thanks - EAICT4D Harry Hare 12:30 Lunch +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Kindly confirm your participation by sending an email to <evelyne(a)kictanet.or.ke> Regards, Harry Hare

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 13 Oct '08

13 Oct '08

Dear Dr. Ndemo, Thank you for taking the time to respond to the issues at hand. The tone of the Kictanet debate might have appeared antagonistic and even degenerated to extreme lows at some points, but rest assured that these are not issues of a personal nature as some have cheekily tried to paint them. The issues at hand revolve around official acts and policies. We simply as I indicated in a separate message want the Government to do the right thing and that is to uphold the law and do what is best for Kenyans. We do and must detest xenophobia, but far from that, foreigners are welcome as long as there are beneficial conditions for Kenyans attached to their entry into key sectors that promote and enhance Kenya's technological capacities, create indigenous wealth (not just employment), and help propel Kenya to achieving new grounds and heights of indigenous accomplishment. Take the case of India, Tata is now an international conglomerate, more so in the area of motor vehicle manufacturing as a result of the Indian government's requirements for joint ventures which demand significant local ownership and benefits for other local industries. Another example are tenders held by the Indian Government which require up to as much as 50-50 participation, despite such steep local equity requirements, there are multinational companies clambering over one another for such opportunities. http://www.mobilepundit.com/2005/12/05/zte-beats-huawei-for-bsnl- tie-up/ Taking up the case of the briefcase businessmen. Isn't this a failure of our institutions more so the regulator in conducting proper due diligence? The failure to do this is the key issue which is being used to give local businessmen a bad name, if proper due diligence had been properly conducted the consortia not meeting the bar should never have been allowed to bid in the first place. Instead due to a lack of diligence we let in unscrupulous parties who want to reap where they have no sowed. The "multinationals" are not so innocent either, we have seen a classic example of international investors fail to repeatedly pay their licence fees for over 4 years while conveniently blaming it on local investors. We can agree on the fact that there are serious Kenyan investors in the ICT sector. As noted above, the way to eliminate extortionists is to conduct proper due diligence and prosecute parties for economic crimes that involve a failure to conduct due diligence. If extortionists persist, they should also be prosecuted under the existing economic crimes statutes as the law provides regarding delivery of revenue due to the Government. If there are no consequences, the problems will likely continue. I beg to differ on Safaricom as this was attributed to foreign investors dumping Safaricom Shares leading to the depression of the share price. Below is the article as published in the Business Daily. I did not purport to be an economist rather just pointed out what NSE insiders were stating: http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88 47&Itemid=5812 As I mentioned earlier, FDI inflows indeed improved tremendously but it seems as though the policy changes are trying to fix something that may not be broken. Certainly FDI inflows should be improved as one of the Government's goals, but why not try to create policies that promote local ownership and beneficial joint ventures? Regards, Peterson On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:20:13 +0000 bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: >Dear Mr. Olale, >I have carefully read your contribution but I do not see any point >you >raise to support Kenyanization of ICT development. Let us not >confuse >xenophobia with nationalism. As I stated earlier, we must learn >from the >past to shape our future. A lot of the so called local Investors >are >briefcase businessmen often specialized in extorting >multinationals at the >expense of the majority Kenyans. This is what we must fight. > >There are serious Kenyan investors in the ICT sector and we are >seeing >these investments grow to the extent of merging with MNCs. This >is a more >sustainable rout to follow than licensing extortionists. We care >for all >Kenyan investors but we must also deal with bad apples. The major >telkom >companies are variously owned by Kenyans. > >It is absurd that you to attribute the drop of Safaricom share >price to >foreigners yet a first year student of economics will tell you >that the >trend worldwide is the same and even the most capitalist countries >are >rushing to bail out troubled companies. Secondly, too many people >borrowed to finance the Safaricom share and hoped to cash-in >quickly >leading to excess supply of shares that means price would drop >and in >the long run will eventually stabilize and begin to rise. My >brother one >needs to understand this simple economics, before attempting to >become a >labour economist. > >Please note that almost 90% of FDI last year to Kenya was in >Telecommunications. The more reason we should encourage more FDI >this >year through policy change. > > >Regards > > >Ndemo. > > > >> John, >> >> Dr. Bonny Khalwale on Wednesday in parliament as Chairman of the >> Parliamentary Accounts Committee in Parliament questioned why >the >> Government, presumably through the Info. and Comm. and other >> related dockets was jeopardising our national security by >selling >> shares in the telecoms sector to foreigners. >> http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/-/1064/478582/-/ywrqttz/- >> /index.html >> >> Dr. Khalwale was obviously not aware of PS Ndemo's latest and >> seemingly hurried initiative to abolish local shareholding >> requirements in the ICT sector and it should no doubt be brought >to >> Parliament's attention and the public's notice. >> http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnJOE4950WH.html >> >> It is time PS Ndemo presented himself in his official capacity >to >> Kenyans before the Parliamentary committee and named the foreign >> companies that have threatened not to invest in Kenya because >they >> cannot allegedly partner with Kenyans! Kenyans should never >condone >> blackmail, let alone from foreigners whose sole goal is to make >hay >> while the sun shines from Kenyans without engaging in knowledge >and >> technology transfer, indigenous wealth creation and other >derived >> benefits that newly industrialised countries (China, India etc) >> have reaped from enforcing local ownership requirements. >> >> It is time such critical decisions that affect the nation were >> taken out of the hands of individuals who through possibly >coerced >> strokes of pens to gazettements seriously compromise the >nation's >> march to progression in indigenous ownership of sectors of the >> economy. Such critical decisions should belong in the hands of >> Wananchi through Parliamentarians who should debate and ratify >such >> critical and arbitrary gazettements. >> >> Recently we saw the results of ill advised policies that favour >> foreigners at the expense of indigenous Kenyans. We saw >Safaricom's >> share price become thoroughly depressed by foreigners who were >in a >> rush to dump the shares. The greatest sufferers were local >> investors many of whom were already short changed with their >paltry >> 21 percent share allocation. Yet the powers that be, sought to >> favour foreigners who have no allegiance to the nation at the >> expense of Wananchi. >> >> What has PS Ndemo done to improve and increase local ownership >in >> the ICT sector before concluding that such efforts and >approaches >> were futile and that Kenyans were useless investors? If Ndemo >truly >> had the interests of Kenyans at heart he wouldn't be putting >> foreigners ahead of Kenyans! Similarly why has Ndemo been >appending >> his signature to documents that favour Libyans amongst other >> foreigners that undermine Wananchi while holding a public office >> that demands maintaining public trust and protecting public >> interest? >> http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1143990641&cid=4 >> >> The Law regarding Acting on behalf of foreigners interests: >> >http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHi >s >> toryID=12838 >> >> Why is PS Ndemo purporting to fix what is not broken? Kenya >> recorded a 1330% increase in FDI in 2007, perhaps PS Ndemo could >be >> excused for the oversight at the time of his arbitrary >> pronouncement. Surely something must be working right.. >> >> http://africa.reuters.com/country/TZ/news/usnLO172755.html >> The report showed that FDI to Kenya rose to $728 million in >> 2007 compared with $51 million in the previous year, a rise >> of close to 1,330 percent. "Kenya's FDI increased due to >> large privatisation sales in the telecommunications industry >> and investment in railways," Naiko said. >> >> The Econet sham has been misused repeatedly by PS Ndemo as the >> reason for his rationale in first reducing local shareholding >> requirements from 30%, down to 20% and now to his envisioned >ZERO%. >> Instead of looking at the root cause of the matter which are >> unfavorable policies towards local investors, a hostile lending >> environment towards startups, poor vetting, poor tendering >> procedures, poor due diligence and irregularities by the >regulator >> and reforming those, he appears keen to lambast and blame >anything >> and everything else on Wananchi rather than address the root >causes >> by instituting and promoting professional changes and >improvements >> in the afflicted public institutions. Indeed how did bankrupt >KNFC >> and Econet meet the US$100m threshhold of turnover for tendering >> when Deloitte and Touche audited accounts show Econet's largest >> operation (before they were bundled out of Nigeria for not >having >> paid for their shares) having a turnover then of a mere US$8 >> million and KNFC's total assets valued at Ksh 20million as of >2006? >> The poor financials and the exercise of due care in conducting >due >> diligence by the regulator are the reasons why the licence fee >> could not be paid to the GK within the proscribed period and it >has >> nothing to do with the vast majority of local investors whom >Ndemo >> is trying to vilify. PS Ndemo and Treasury should let the public >> know if Econet has forfeited and paid in full its US$1.3 million >> bid bond to the exchequer for failure to pay the licence fees in >> cash as required: >> >> Audited Financials: >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152242139/Financials.pdf >> Miscellaneous: >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152242138/NjiriSA.pdf >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152242137/EconetSA.pdf >> >> For all we know PS Ndemo could have been misled by vested and >> powerful interests in the matter. Naturally the principles of >> justice dictate that he ought to be given the accordance of the >> benefit of doubt but if his deliberate actions show otherwise >then >> the wheels of justice must run their course. If it takes 14 >years >> as it did for the eventual trial and judgement of Oluga and >Somaia >> for fraud against the Republic, then so be it. >> >> This is why if Ndemo is indeed innocent, he should not hesitate >to >> speedily request KACC, the CID, Kenya's numerous independent >anti- >> corruption organisations, any willing international partners >with >> forensic investigation capacities, members of the public to work >> towards investigating the matter. It is also important that the >PS' >> accomplishments on behalf of the nation are not blighted by a >few >> but serious malfeasances if he was indeed misled. PS Ndemo's >> involvement in the matter is a serious issue considering what >the >> law states about deliberately subverting directives and rulings >> such as the Minister's cancellation of the licence, given that >> deliberate ignorance of court rulings and Ministerial >cancellations >> is classified under law as fraud. >> >> The law as regards Misleading the public: >> >http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHi >s >> toryID=12843 >> >> Section 354 of Chapter XXXV (Miscellaneous Offences Against >Public >> Authority) of the Laws of Kenya: >> >> âANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY UTTERS AS AND FOR A SUBSISTING >> AND EFFECTUAL DOCUMENT ANY DOCUMENT WHICH HAS BY ANY >> LAWFUL AUTHORITY BEEN ORDERED TO BE REVOKED, CANCELLED >> OR SUSPENDED, or the operation of which has ceased by >> effluxion of time, or by death, or by the happening of >> any other event, is guilty of an offence of the same >> kind, and IS LIABLE TO THE SAME PUNISHMENT, AS IF HE HAD >> FORGED THE DOCUMENT,â >> >http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHi >s >> toryID=9961 >> >> Amos Wako as the AG should let Kenyans know whether he was >> consulted by PS Ndemo, what his legal opinion was if any, by >> releasing the relevant correspondence, and if so, what rationale >he >> employed in purporting to settle a case the Government had >already >> won through a final court ruling! >> >> Judge's final Ruling upholding cancellation of licence: >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152242136/Econet_v_Minister.pdf >> >> video of PS Ndemo personally signing the sham "settlement >> agreement": >> >http://rapidshare.com/files/152229210/en_bs_250707_econectknfc.mp4 >> >> Laws of Kenya regarding the Giving of advice: >> >http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHi >s >> toryID=12842 >> >> AG Wako has shown previously that in matters where the >Government >> will ultimately prevail, the Government will not hesitate to >uphold >> the public interest even where the outcome could embarrass the >> executive as was the unprecedented case of Kenya Duty Free v GK >> where the Government's winning defence was that the former >> President had taken a US$2 million bribe from the applicant. >> >http://www.freshfields.com/news/mediareleases/mediarelease.asp?id=1 >0 >> 19 >> >> It is an inescapable fact that PS Ndemo seems to wish away that >the >> Econet licence was Scandal number 10 in Edward Clay's list of 20 >> scandals committed against the nation: >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152246719/20Scandals.pdf >> >> What happened to Ndemo's rather reasonable previous requirement >in >> 2007 about local ownership, did vested foreign and "local - >> Mobitelea like" interests twist his arm and coerce him to change >> his mind?? >> >> What we are saying is that a foreign investor needs time to >> (get to) know whom he can work with," Ndemo says. "In three >> years he can do a private placement or in five years do an >> IPO (initial public offering) or introduce employee option >> plans, but they must give 30 per cent to locals." >> >> The issues are very simple, Ndemo should come clean and cease >> condoning and abetting the commission of illegal acts against >the >> public trust and interest that involve a permanently CANCELLED >and >> thus null and void license; open the matter to public scrutiny >and >> investigation and mostly importantly it is his duty as a Kenyan >to >> find constructive ways of promoting indigenous Kenyan ownership >> instead of working day and night to find ways to increase >ownership >> by foreigners at the expense of Wananchi. It is indeed absurd >that >> when Mama Mboga attempts to make a living without having a valid >> licence, she will certainly face the wrath of askaris, how >> foreigners can blantantly walk into Kenya, disenfranchise their >> local component with blessings from vested interests and when >their >> licence is cancelled continue to operate without a valid licence >> and without a new tender being called reeks of impunity at best. >> >> When 48 members of Parliament in 2003 rose up to be counted, >they >> surely knew what the animal they were pointing out, the same >animal >> that now disrespects Kenyan institutions as it continues to run >> around while flashing a long cancelled and now null and void >> licence as part of a grand and colossal fraud. >> http://www.telegeography.com/cu/article.php?article_id=2030 >> >> Peterson Olale >> >> On Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:59:44 +0000 John Maina ><j.maina(a)ymail.com> >> wrote: >>>Brian >>> >>>We dont dispute that. >>> >>>We are asking about the fact that the government is ignoring >court >>>injuctions which were shown there >>> >>>Why ignore court cases? >>> >>>JM >>> >>>----- Original Message ---- >>>From: Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> >>>To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>>Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2008 4:54:50 PM >>>Subject: Re: [kictanet] Econet Haters.... :-D >>> >>>Brian, >>> >>>As kictanet chairman with all the 'forum powers', I honestly >feel >>>that it is unfair for you to drag on this conversation at least >>>from a >>>"fair play" perspective.... >>> >>>If you choose not to kill the thread, at least you should avoid >>>being >>>a discussant? >>> >>>regards, >>> >>>Alex >>> >> >> -- >> Click now for fast, reliable freight services! >> >http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4c9uglgm0nbIOqilxqN6aFkwmGgX3I >12EQDEHE2v5xWXwRnE/ >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jamb >o.co.ke >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" >> >> > > > >---------------------------------------------- >This message has been scanned for viruses and >dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >believed to be clean. >--------------------------------------------- >"easy access to the world" -- Click here to find the perfect picture with our powerful photo search features. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4dI2gEjhKYHNaeyRQ7Q6yCWo3FWPjoMUxjWNTg…

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 13 Oct '08

13 Oct '08

Dear Eric, Some weekend reading for you, this article was directed at NEPAD and the then Finance Minister and it covers some of the issues we have been discussing. Africa, Kimunya should seek monetary policies that serve local interests http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82 62&Itemid=5821 "This, however, remains the quintessential question of African development: how to achieve economic independence in an international and regional context where the profit motives of most investors and lenders rarely correspond to our growth and development goals." We simply cannot achieve economic independence when over 80 percent of the economy is in the hands of foreigners more so non Africans and PS Ndemo now wants to eliminate indigenous ownership requirements. Local ownership requirements did not deter the credible and serious Zain's, Vodafone's, France Telecom's, Altech's of this world from coming into Kenya. Has PS Ndemo forgotten that Kenya's FDI in the last year rose by over 1300 percent? Is it fair that some local individuals could use multiple separate companies in which they have substantial shareholding so as to maximize their effective share of TEAMS while other legitimate local and international investors are locked out? These and other criteria (total beneficial ownership etc) need to be looked at and analysed to get to the core of the matter. It is a pity that PS Ndemo seems to believe that it is a bad thing when Peterson asks the Government to listen to local investors and take their interests into consideration while striking a balance in the same way he listens to foreign investors and makes arbitrary non-consultative policy changes just because the Nesbitt's of this world (who already have a tax holiday) have already arm twisted him behind closed doors into submission. We want these unnamed vested interests to take their case to the Kenyan public and to stop coercing public servants behind closed doors, if they can convince the public openly that what they need is good for Kenya then the public through their representatives will effect such changes openly and transparently. As for the other matters, they don't require endorsement or agreement, the facts stand on their own, they are facts anyone can verify by going to the High Court registrar, providing the case number and obtaining the same documents and rulings. The near collapse and disrespect of our institutions is as a result of the permeation and embrace of a culture of impunity. If these institutions were respected by among others, PS Ndemo, it would not be an issue affecting the nation. I challenge anyone with any contradicting documents to dispute the facts by presenting the same rather than attempting to assassinate the messenger for blowing the whistle. Have a good weekend. Regards, Peterson On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:38:36 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >Dear Peterson, > >I go with you on the wheel that the vested interest of the country >in >paramount..... > >The elements of my case though disappointing, i went with the >established criteria since was applied across board but then in >the >situation where most of the local companies are majority owned by >non- >Africans, then one needs to look into the criteria again. > >The larger question, we need to raise is how do we ensure that the > >interest of other African investors can be unheld in another >African >jurisdiction, in the context of developing Africa by Africans. You > >know the TEAMS process is still ongoing so lets allow the >establish >procedures and policies to work, am patient and dont have any hard > >feelings at all. > >The other big question that we need to answer is, these huge >infrastructure projects require huge sums of money, personally am >not >a deep pocket in that sense but at least i can raise the money, >may >be from another African country or worse case outside the >continent >if the amounts are way over. The TEAMS model where public funds >are >used to underwrite the risk in order to ensure that the entry >barriers for investment are minimised so local investors and >entrepreneurs can participate are innovative and i personally want >to >give the TEAMS model a chance to succeed. We as Africans need to >evolve solutions to our unique problems, ofcourse borrowing in >same >cases from others who have gone ahead. > >Unfortunately, i would have to distant myself from some of the >allegations though you establish them on factual basis, it would >be >good for the right authorities to follow it through so that we >have >conclusive situations. Also, those involved must be given a chance >to >present their side of the argument so that those in this forum can >be >more knowledgable. Again, if we can keep it tactful, then the >common >good is preserved for the sake of posterity. > >Have a good weekend, good people. > > > >On 10 Oct 2008, at 20:16, mwananchi(a)hushmail.com wrote: > >> Dear Eric, >> >> At the end of the day, Kenyans only want the best for our >nation. >> Kenyans certainly are not against beneficial foreign direct >> investment and welcome it provided it is conducted under >policies >> that result in a win-win situation for Kenyans and the investor. >> Unfortunately the country's policies particularly those being >> fronted now do not reflect that wish, which is why it is >important >> that the Government pay attention to what local and would be >> international investors are saying and strike a balance that is >a >> win-win for both. >> >> In your case, had PS Ndemo stuck with his proposal that he made >in >> 2007, Internet Research would not be experiencing any hurdles. >The >> local component would also have been preserved in a manner not >> detrimental to your company. >> >> I hope that PS Ndemo will address the issue of your company. >Kenya >> as an African country should not be deterring Kenyan or any >other >> African investors who are credible and who operate and respect >our >> laws and institutions instead of trampling them underfoot and in >> the one case that has been mentioned, deliberately failing to >meet >> their obligations for over 4 years. These are the same types of >> investors who have been rejected by Altech, the nations of Papua >> New Guinea, Malawi, Nigeria. The same characters who failed to >meet >> their licence obligations for years in New Zealand and were >lucky >> to get token percentage ownership of what was left when credible >> investors took over and who in Lesotho have been engaged in tax >and >> roaming link frauds. >> >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152715858/fraud_in_lesotho.pdf >> >> They finally found a safe haven to land in Kenya embraced by a >> culture of impunity where it does not matter if you meet your >> obligations or if you operate with cancelled licences provided >> powerful vested interests pave and coerce the way for you. >> >> When we reject investors whom we know such as Eric and embrace >> undesirable investors instead, it shows why we precisely are >> lagging behind in FDI. Indeed if Kenya gave investors 5 years as >it >> did in this particular case to pay licencing fees, the country >> would be overwhelmed with numerous investors. As the occassion >of >> Moi Day graces us today, the Moi government despite its many >flaws >> was quick to realize what type of animal this was and correctly >> rejected them not just once but twice. >> >> Peterson >> >> On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:31:48 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" >> <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >>> Dear Peterson, >>> >>> Thanks for establishing a set of facts and am sure the right >>> people >>> would respond to the issues you have riased. I hope the >discussion >>> >>> would continue on a factual basis and not degenerate. >>> >>> I want to also present one set of facts regarding my >participation >>> in >>> the TEAMS project. My company, Internet Research went through >the >>> >>> entire process and indeed qualified to be allocated shares but >at >>> one >>> of the proposed shareholders meeting, the issue of local >ownership >>> >>> came up. >>> -- Learn from the comfort of your home. Choose your degree and receive a free info pak. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4eS5zglpKiYQ1E4QV7ya3V7OQilSPtQZA6nTe5…

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Re: [kictanet] Malaysia/Policy Clarifications
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 13 Oct '08

13 Oct '08

Many thanks to PS Ndemo for his responses in answering the numerous issues raised despite the determined attempts of some list members to prevent that from happening. PS Ndemo says he does not understand how the transaction was done yet he went ahead to somehow sign documents and commit the Government. This level of transparency is commendable as there are few in government who would give their honest assessment of such a matter. There is a very short and simple chronology to the facts on the transaction. 1. April 13, 2006 - Justice Ibrahim Mohammed in Case 1640/2004 in the High Court of Kenya rules that the Econet licence remains cancelled as ordered by the Minister for Information and Communications. The case had been filed by Econet against the Government and CCK in an attempt to reverse the cancellation of the Econet licence by the Minister. http://rapidshare.com/files/152947988/final_court_ruling.pdf 2. July 20, 2007 - PS Ndemo signs a "settlement agreement" purporting to settle case 1640 which the Government had already won through the High Court's ruling upholding the Minister's cancellation of the licence. The Government had already won the case! Econet was ordered to pay the Government and taxpayers costs and the court upheld the cancellation of the licence! There was nothing left to settle other than for Econet to meet its obligation of paying Tax Payers legal costs! The second case which was filed personally against the Minister became moot, academic and died a natural death following the ruling. In any case Econet was unable to raise the US$15 million security it was ordered to deposit with the court in the case against the Minister. The cover of "sub judice" does not hold when cases have already reached their logical conclusion and there are no ongoing cases. The facts are simple: - There were no cases to be settled against the Government, the Government won its case fair and square against Econet. - The "settlement" appears to have been a public relations stunt aimed at keeping from public notice Justice Mohammed's ruling. - The Government faced no liability contrary to PS Ndemo's statements following the rulings in favour of GK. - Econet was liable to the Government and thus Taxpayers per the Judge's ruling and not as PS Ndemo inaccurately claims. - Econet having failed to meet its licence obligations stood to legally and correctly loose any monies it had paid to the Government without the Government incurring any liability. The Government won its case square and fair in court but PS Ndemo is misleading Wananchi that the Government was going to loose long after the case had already concluded. We are simply requesting the Government to treat all scams in the same commendable way the PS has taken on the Postapay and satellite crooks without engaging in selective justice. Regards, Peterson On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:59:23 +0000 Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Daktari, >This response is a clear sign of top notch leadership. >Thx for clarifying for those of us who were in the dark. > > >On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 8:07 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > >> Dear All, >> I am in Malaysia. This country's development is awesome. Their >> e-applications are indeed something we all aught to learn from. >You can >> see the positive energy to move their country out of poverty in >their >> eyes. We must find ways to emulate these people and move away >from self >> interest that is tearing our country apart. >> >> Prior to my travel here, I made some statements regarding local >ownership >> of ICT investments with the aim of reviewing our policy. This >is what I >> am employed to do and I am still consulting with stakeholders to >see how >> to advance the policy change. Specifically, I argued as >follows: >> • The drop in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in our >sector is as a >> result >> of rigid policy on ownership of investments; >> • We must work toward attracting FDI if we have to sort >out >> unemployment >> of our youth which has reached crisis levels; >> • Large ICT multinationals have requested exemptions to >this policy >> and >> would rather have the local ownership through the stock market; >> • That those who have in the past purported to have the >capacity to >> raise >> sufficient local capital have failed and cannot raise new >capital thus >> compromising the competitiveness of these firms; >> • Protectionism leads to poor service and uncompetitive >environment; >> • The problem of local equity participation can be >summarized by the >> experience we went through during the search for the SNO – >promises of >> non-existent funds and extortionism; >> • The absence of local equity participation in some >foreign banks did >> not >> stop Equity Bank from growing phenomenally; >> • There is no threat to domination from foreigners since >local firms >> have >> made great strides to eventually partner with multinationals >from points >> of strength (read KDN/Altech; Safaricom/Onecom partnerships) and >it is >> encouraging to see other local firms such as Access, Jamii, >Wananchi etc >> coming up strongly that we don't need to require multinationals >to seek >> for partners up front at the expense of our unemployed youths; >and >> • My liberalist economic approach is what in my view would >make our >> country considering that some decisions we made along the same >lines have >> greatly impacted all our lives. >> Take for example the liberalization of International Gateways. >There were >> threats to our lives that we could not survive to see the >benefits. These >> were threats made by those who benefited from illegal >terminations of >> calls through Telkom Network leading to losses in excess of one >billion >> shillings per year. I am surprised that this move pains some >people to >> date when we are enjoying lower tariffs with a more efficient >Telkom. I >> have no regrets on Telkom reforms at all and I am sure you all >know that I >> never run from any responsibility. >> >> The Libyan matter has never been an issue before considering the >fact that >> this are standard MOUs that we sign regularly whenever we market >Kenya out >> there as an investment destination. Yes I signed the MOU and >the two ICT >> items in the MOU, that is, Telkom Kenya and Teams never went to >Libyans >> since they lost in the bid process and rejected by local >investors >> respectively. In the same MOU were Energy items and of course >Grand >> Regency but MOUs are not sale agreements. We sign lots of these >MOUs and >> even today here in Malaysia I have had to sign two. These are >public >> documents accessible to any Kenyan and there is nothing to hide >in the >> course of serving our country. >> >> I have never in my life met Moi and as far as I am concerned I >have never >> crossed his path either in his business or himself as a person. >The >> decision to extricate the Government from the Econet saga in my >view saved >> the tax payers a great deal of money. I was not there when this >matter >> started and I still do not understand the whole transaction but >it makes >> great sense to remove the Government from any liability. If >such a >> decision did not favour anybody, then the courts can settle and >in any >> case, this matter is still sub judice. >> >> Back to policy. If you have noted, we are launching an average >of two ICT >> firms per a week. Large BPO multinationals have told me to my >face that >> until we sort out the local ownership issue, they are going >elsewhere. >> These are firms that employ in excess of 30,000 BPO agents. >Investment in >> the sector runs into billions of shillings which people like >myself cannot >> even dream of raising even 1% (and this is true for many of us >in Kenya). >> Do we let such opportunities slip by because we want to be >nationalists? >> >> Regards >> >> >> Ndemo. >> >> >> >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" >> >> -- Click here to learn more about nursing jobs. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4eKMGXhTQTmbf6gMPaKpzEItCperpbR6uzYlGP…

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Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors
by John Maina 13 Oct '08

13 Oct '08

----- Forwarded Message ---- From: nmatunda <matunda(a)hotmail.com> To: picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 3:14:36 PM Subject: [picta-kenya] Re: Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors Mike, I am with you 200% on this. Every country must always act in its self-interest; this move by the PS is deplorable and not in line with long term Kenyan interests, especially in as a lucrative area as ICT. In my books, we invite foreigners for such things as (a) financing (which by the way Kenyans have shown can be raised locally), (b) operations and management experience & knowledge transfer, (c) relationships that we can leverage through any such joint ventures, etc. Joint ventures can also cushion enterprises from predatory illegalities, especially given our weak legal dispute resolution structures! Of the latter, remember when heads of state corporations used to queue up with money bags to state house to prop up the Moi excesses! Or when companies could be shaken down for political donations at a whim! For me, a good (not ideal!) joint venture is one of the kind that Kenya Airways went into with KLM, when KA had been run down by politically connected individuals. KLM brought in management and operations experience, facilitated KA's access to markets and routes that KA otherwise couldn't easily access and in the process the KA brand rose, as did profits and more! The investment has paid well for Kenyans and KLM; a win-win. There is a lesson to be learnt from the current American financial crisis with respect to experiences in Canada. This country has been under pressure to deregulate its financial services sector for the longest time. Banks have argued that they needed mergers to allow them to compete globally; and that they needed global partners that would help them grow and extend their reach. Canadian government have constantly refused mergers or the kind of deregulation the industry sought! Their argument: the interest of the common person whose priority banks should be. Guess what? In the present crisis, Canada has come substantially well ahead of the US and others. And for what reason: they stood against unfettered deregulaion! and they stood up for the interest of Canadians. I ask all yee this question: who is standing for the interest of Kenyans in this open invitation to exploitation? Dr Ndemo needs to be stopped, I am afraid! Unedited. Matunda Nyanchama --- In picta-kenya@ yahoogroups. com, "matunda25" <matunda@...> wrote: > > > --- In picta-kenya@ yahoogroups. com, "matunda25" matunda@ wrote: > > > > > > --- In picta-kenya@ yahoogroups. com, "Mike Theuri" mike.theuri@ > > wrote: > > > > > > Once again the PS uses the Econet fiasco to put foreigners ahead of > > Kenyans > > > while failing to acknowledge that the failure to pay by Econet was a > > result > > > of failure within his own docket and the regulator. Ndemo and the > > regulator > > > illegally licenced an operator whose financial books were in the red > > and > > > that by extension it was obvious that there was no sane bank that > > would > > > have funded the local component of the consortium if the foreign > > component > > > was in such poor financial health. The regulator simply failed to > > conduct > > > its fiduciary duties to the Kenyan public by failing to conduct > proper > > due > > > diligence on the licencee. > > > > > > A sworn affidavit by the Econet CFO backs these facts when it states > > that > > > the company had no money to the extent that an unscrupulous european > > vendor > > > (acting in an anti-competitive manner possibly contrary to EU > > anti-trust > > > regulations) sold equipment worth $15m for $15,000 which was the > only > > way > > > the licencee could go to a bank to present an "asset" as their > balance > > sheet > > > was useless in this regard (see extract of affidavit page 13, item > > 17.1). > > > > > > These are the types of foreigners the PS is so eager to fight for at > > the > > > expense of the progression of indigenous Kenyans. The PS blames > > ordinary > > > Kenyans but conveniently forgets that some well known international > > > operators pulled out of the SNO tender without submitting a bid > > because of > > > the known shenanigans of public relations exercises where a winner > is > > > already known long before a tender is announced. > > > > > > How does Kenya stand to gain when investors are 100% foreign? Are > they > > > Kenyans masquerading as foreigners mobitelea style waiting to > receive > > the > > > licence he plans to issue in 18 months? Are they the Libyans Ndemo > > > promised access to the Kenyan economy when he signed away access to > > the > > > Kenyan economy? Countries such as India which the PS fondly refers > to > > as > > > newly industrialized countries demand that foreign investors engage > in > > joint > > > ventures with local companies particularly in key sectors such as > ICT. > > > > > > Today, India's Tata is a well known brand as a result of such > forward > > > thinking policies that result in the transfer of knowledge and > > technology, > > > not to mention indigenous wealth creation. > > > > > > Who are the foreigners the PS is eager to let into the country? He > > seems > > > star struck with foreigners unfortunately, considering his signature > > was > > > amongst those that signed the agreement that brought Libyans into > the > > > country. > > > > > > In 2006 Justice Ibrahim Mohammed ruled that the Econet licence > > remained > > > cancelled, but the PS continues to blantantly bulldoze the way for > > > foreigners by trampling all over a bonafide court ruling (attached) > > which > > > is sympomatic of the culture of impunity that the PS' actions > embrace. > > > > > > This is the same case that the PS attempts to mislead the public was > a > > case > > > that was settled. How would the government be settling a case in > which > > a > > > Judge had already issued a final ruling? Is the PS telling the > public > > he is > > > above the law? Another fallacy put forward is that the case was > > between KNFC > > > and Econet, it is quite clear that the case was between Econet and > the > > > Government and the Government (including the regulator) won a ruling > > that > > > stated that the Econet licence remained cancelled. So which licence > > are > > > Econet operating on? There was only one gazettement ever done in the > > history > > > of the licence, so there can only be one licence that a court of law > > > ruled was to remain cancelled. > > > > > > At times one could be forgiven for thinking that the PS is a foreign > > agent > > > working for the interests of foreign paymasters. The Safaricom IPO > > proved > > > once and for all that local investors have the means and capacity to > > invest > > > in the right ventures if the playing field was leveled and special > > interests > > > were kept to the sidelines. Instead the PS would like to paint > Kenyans > > as > > > hapless investors who must look to foreigners to increase their > > already > > > strong stranglehold on the Kenyan economy. > > > > > > --------- > > > > > > Several agreements between the two nations accorded Libya > preferential > > > access to > > > invest in Kenya's oil and hotel sectors and guaranteed legal > > protection of > > > acquired properties. > > > > > > Murungi and Information PS Bitange Ndemo signed the agreement > > proposing to > > > allow > > > Libyans to buy and upgrade the refinery, establish a new pipeline > > between > > > Nairobi and Mombasa and build storage and handling facilities for > > Liquified > > > Petroleum Gas. > > > > > > They also signed a memorandum promising to consider Libya Africa > > Investment > > > Portfolio (LAP) and its subsidiaries' bids to buy the Grand Regency > > Hotel > > > and > > > co-own now sold Telkom Kenya and The East Africa Marine System > (TEAMS) > > fibre > > > > > > optic project. > > > > > > http://www.eastanda rd.net/InsidePag e.php?id= 1143990641&cid=4 > > > > > > > > > http://africa. reuters.com/ business/ news/usnJOE4950W H.html > > > Kenya opens door to foreign telecoms investors > > > Mon 6 Oct 2008, 12:58 GMT > > > > > > [-] Text [+] By Duncan Miriri > > > NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya will scrap a law requiring foreign > telecoms > > > investors > > > to have local partners because it has choked funding for the > > fast-growing > > > sector, the government said on Monday. > > > > > > Previously, foreign firms that wanted to invest in telecoms projects > > in east > > > > > > Africa's biggest economy needed to find Kenyan partners who would > own > > > between > > > 20-30 percent of any venture. > > > > > > "This rule is messing us up in terms of investments. There are > large > > > companies > > > which want to invest in this country without partnering with other > > > individuals, " Bitange Ndemo, permanent secretary at the Information > > > Ministry, > > > said in an interview. > > > > > > "We must do everything to bring more foreign direct investment to > this > > > country," > > > he told Reuters. He did not give a date when the change would come > > into > > > effect. > > > Ndemo said the government was considering issuing another mobile > > operator > > > licence in about 18 months time. > > > > > > "We want those who are in place to recoup their investments, and at > > the same > > > > > > time we will study the market and see whether it is working > > efficiently, " he > > > > > > said. > > > > > > Kenya's Safaricom is the market leader followed by Kuwait's Zain. > The > > only > > > fixed-line operator, Telkom Kenya, which is majority owned by France > > > Telecom, > > > launched mobile operations last month under the Orange brand. > > > A fourth licensee, Econet Kenya, is expected to launch its service > in > > > November. > > > Ndemo said competition was driving down prices for consumers and > > encouraging > > > > > > providers to expand coverage quickly. > > > > > > "That is why we predicted that in the next three years we would have > > more > > > than > > > 60 percent penetration rate, and that would be the highest in > Africa," > > he > > > said. > > > He said there were now 14 million subscribers in Kenya, out of a > total > > > population of about 36 million. > > > > > > __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (4) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity * 2 New MembersVisit Your Group Moderator Central Get answers to your questions about running Y! Groups. Learn to live a full life with these healthy living groups on Yahoo! Yahoo! Groups Special K Challenge Join others who are losing pounds. .. __,_._,___

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Praemonitus praemunitus
by Gakuru Alex 12 Oct '08

12 Oct '08

Latin for "Forewarned is forearmed" This message is solely meant to help *all* information consumers. To assist their defense against majambazi na maharamia was mtandao They hide behind "anonymous" email features. They are afraid of public meeting....never show up.... A month ago I gave a talk "Social Implications of Modern Communication Technologies" at a conference and below are excerpts and added my advice and tips ----excerpt-- - emails are typed away and sent so fast - mass circulation and forwarding ability - have potential to cause immense anxieties - email "stalking" after participation in public mailing lists - more recent trend of faked online e-identities - to plant other/self-motive interests in online fora/discussions - hiding behind "anonymous" technologies convenience. --excerpts-- -My Advice? - Until you verify they exist, refer to *hot* new 'unknown' subscribers as 'John Doe', - Ask technology experts, for example , skunkworks, to analyse suspicious messages origins, - Diaspora purporting 'John Doe' ALAS! could be sending messages from inside here in Kenya - email messages carry along and shows IP addresses of the route they traveled:) - We remember netiquette guidelines (www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1855.txt) - All else failing, dump bad eggs, bad apples, etc where they belong --ends-- Have a peaceful Sunday and happy new week:) Regards, Alex

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Re: [kictanet] Solving Flareups Nole Prosequi
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 11 Oct '08

11 Oct '08

PS Ndemo's persistent interference with and ignorance of court rulings and proceedings that involve the ICT sector are not the only issues that have been raised. http://rapidshare.com/files/152947988/final_court_ruling.pdf "We are not going to be held at ransom by court cases" - PS Ndemo, vowing to disrespect the Judiciary The Standard, February 21 2006 "Telecom Sector Braces for More Radical Changes" We will not be silenced, not through cowardly anonymous threats, bribes, phone tapping or retrogressive acts so that we become the proverbial ostrich that buries its head in the sand to pretend that it cannot see the dangerous lion that's next to it. It is rather foolish and retrogressive to pretend that PS Ndemo's arbitrary policies, the same ill conceived policies that deter local investors from entering the ICT sector and put foreigners ahead and which retrogress the efforts of indigenous Kenyans are good for the country, the same interferences that deter the judiciary from independently carrying out its work in disputes involving the ICT sector. Right things cannot take place at the right place when PS Ndemo is busy trampling binding and final court rulings at the behest of vested interests and turning around to mislead the ICT fraternity that cases that have been long concluded in the Government's favour are still ongoing! That is what one calls retrogressive! Peterson On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:33:09 +0000 Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Better still, let court battles be fought in courts, we are >talking >about doing the right thing at the right place Bill. This kind of >debate does'nt add any value to the ICT sector let alone the list. >At >best, it is retrogressive >Regards > >On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 11:16 AM, Gakuru Alex ><alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Bill, >> >> I repeat, if the only contributions one ever makes are anti- >consumer >> mailing list objectives, principles, and values. Negative to the >> extent that they distractive and destructive hard-won gains and >long >> established list engagement principles and >> framework. Outbursts that cost the list humble and loyal >subscribers. >> >> We have not build what we have today easily and shall not allow >> *anyone* to use it as platform to advance unclear private >interests. >> >> I promise you I will suspend (and if need be unsubscribe) such >an >> individual very fast and without a flinch. The decision or >action and >> the necessitating circumstances are communicated openly to avoid >your >> alluded "officially instigated" fears. This also removes gaps >for >> credibility tarnishing - we have losts of experience in that >area... >> >> Regards, >> >> Alex >> >> >> On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:45 AM, Bill Kagai ><billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 12:18 PM, Gakuru Alex ><alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> >>> wrote: >>>> >>>> Hustler, >>>> Therefore, my openly announced decision to suspend discussants >was >>>> based on this line of though/argument. I am not sorry for it >and >>>> re-state nor have the stomach to allow *any such distractions* >to come >>>> in the way of diverting valued "information consumers" >attention view >>>> and best-interests pursuit. >>> >>> Alex, >>> This statement coming from a self confessed consumer rights >advocate does >>> indeed catch my attention. It is dictatorial and akin to >'playing god' and >>> gagging flow/freedom of information. >>> >>> If u allow me to suggest a good read, pls re-visit the Akiwumi >Report and >>> you will realise that this attitude of fearing the truth and >solving >>> problems has been a fundamental impediment to our development. >Thats why I >>> laud how Daktari boldly clarified his position (whether we >agree with it or >>> not) rather than taking the route earlier suggested by >many...that this is >>> not the forum nor the channel to discuss a key ICT issue. >>> >>> Fear of/for truth/information made the old 'Special Branch' >infamous, but >>> today we look at Nyati and Nyayo Houses with mixed relic >reflections. I >>> mean...if we see the Director General of NSIS appearing in >public inquiries >>> such as Okemo's and Waki's to help in establishing truth, how >can some ICT >>> leaders in this list drag us back to information gagging and >side-stepping >>> issues in the pretext of lacking mandate?? >>> >>> Its food for thought...I can go on and on.... >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alexgakuru.lis >ts%40gmail.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.com >> > > > >-- >Barrack O. Otieno >ICWE Africa LTD >P.o. Box 746 >Nairobi 00100 >Tel: >+254721325277 >+254726544442 >+254202343960 >www.icwe.co.ke >http://projectdiscovery.or.ke >National Bank Building >Harambee Avenue 12th Floor > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: mwananchi(a)hushmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwananchi%40hu >shmail.com -- Inventors: Does your idea have potential for millions? Click for info. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4dkcm4URk7LoeifzUW1781c0yV3E0GOalorO9u…

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Re: [kictanet] Solving Flareups Nole Prosequi
by Barrack Otieno 11 Oct '08

11 Oct '08

Better still, let court battles be fought in courts, we are talking about doing the right thing at the right place Bill. This kind of debate does'nt add any value to the ICT sector let alone the list. At best, it is retrogressive Regards On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 11:16 AM, Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Bill, > > I repeat, if the only contributions one ever makes are anti-consumer > mailing list objectives, principles, and values. Negative to the > extent that they distractive and destructive hard-won gains and long > established list engagement principles and > framework. Outbursts that cost the list humble and loyal subscribers. > > We have not build what we have today easily and shall not allow > *anyone* to use it as platform to advance unclear private interests. > > I promise you I will suspend (and if need be unsubscribe) such an > individual very fast and without a flinch. The decision or action and > the necessitating circumstances are communicated openly to avoid your > alluded "officially instigated" fears. This also removes gaps for > credibility tarnishing - we have losts of experience in that area... > > Regards, > > Alex > > > On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:45 AM, Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 12:18 PM, Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >>> >>> Hustler, >>> Therefore, my openly announced decision to suspend discussants was >>> based on this line of though/argument. I am not sorry for it and >>> re-state nor have the stomach to allow *any such distractions* to come >>> in the way of diverting valued "information consumers" attention view >>> and best-interests pursuit. >> >> Alex, >> This statement coming from a self confessed consumer rights advocate does >> indeed catch my attention. It is dictatorial and akin to 'playing god' and >> gagging flow/freedom of information. >> >> If u allow me to suggest a good read, pls re-visit the Akiwumi Report and >> you will realise that this attitude of fearing the truth and solving >> problems has been a fundamental impediment to our development. Thats why I >> laud how Daktari boldly clarified his position (whether we agree with it or >> not) rather than taking the route earlier suggested by many...that this is >> not the forum nor the channel to discuss a key ICT issue. >> >> Fear of/for truth/information made the old 'Special Branch' infamous, but >> today we look at Nyati and Nyayo Houses with mixed relic reflections. I >> mean...if we see the Director General of NSIS appearing in public inquiries >> such as Okemo's and Waki's to help in establishing truth, how can some ICT >> leaders in this list drag us back to information gagging and side-stepping >> issues in the pretext of lacking mandate?? >> >> Its food for thought...I can go on and on.... >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alexgakuru.lists%40gma… >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > 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 ICWE Africa LTD P.o. Box 746 Nairobi 00100 Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254202343960 www.icwe.co.ke http://projectdiscovery.or.ke National Bank Building Harambee Avenue 12th Floor

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Re: [kictanet] Malaysia/Policy Clarifications
by Eric M.K Osiakwan 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Well said Bwana Ndemo, If others can learn from us and advance their cause then we can too, Africa CAN. I believe alot in the champion approach which is that if one country gets it right, the others would follow and i may be wrong but am strongly convinced that Kenya has the mantle in our time to shoot off and stand tall for all other African countries to follow. I pray Kenya does not disappoint destiny. Eric here On 10 Oct 2008, at 21:10, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: > Dear Eric, > Thanks for your comments. The current Malaysian Prime Minister was > among > the delegation in 1972 that came to Kenya and other African > countries to > learn the magic of growing an economy at rate of 7%. They were > shocked to > visit cities in Africa that had no shanties. They grabbled with > the issue > of poverty, disease and ignorance. The poverty level here is at 3% > and > every Malaysian has a house. Their ICT corridor is 70Km long and > 30 Km > wide. They are now working on a biotechnology corridor which shall be > even bigger than the ICT one. > > In meetings to chart the way forward on these projects, the > attendance is > greater than 95%. Contrast this with our Africa. We call meetings to > discuss policy and you hadly see anybody but when it comes to > criticism > everybody has something to say. More often in the negative. A good > example is the policy proposals that I have made here. Peterson is > already criticizing and saying the Government should ... strike a > balance. > Should we be asking where our problems are? We are simply too > argumentative and have fallen flat on our bellies when it comes to > responsibility. > > We do not need to reinvent the wheel, we simply have to learn what the > Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs) did. They allowed the MNCs but > ensured that components were manufactured locally. The backward and > forward linkages enabled them to develop sufficient confidence to > go it > alone. The assembly of Motor Vehicle industry in Kenya had > attained 60% > local content before it slid. In 1985 we attempted to make a local > car, > Nyayo. Incidentally, that is the same year the Malaysians started > their > Proton. The initial production both in Malaysia and Kenya were so > expensive that we ridiculed our Nyayo car to oblivion. Malaysians > on the > other hand knew they had a learning curve to go through in order > cut the > cost. Today we import the Protons to Kenya. Our technicians from > General > Motors helped India with the Tata and Mahindra but we still have > not quite > gotten it correct. I have always wondered whether God made us > perpetual > pessimists? > > Had we trusted ourselves even by a tinge, we could very easily be > competing with Japanese or better. The situation is not getting any > better since it is common to see 40 year old men living with their > parents. Are we really creating independent minded Kenyans who can > change > this country or Africa for that matter? These are the people who make > comments on subjects they have no idea in. > > > Eric I worry a lot for our continent. Per harps I shouldn't. > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > Eric M.K Osiakwan ICT Integrator Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Dear Eric, At the end of the day, Kenyans only want the best for our nation. Kenyans certainly are not against beneficial foreign direct investment and welcome it provided it is conducted under policies that result in a win-win situation for Kenyans and the investor. Unfortunately the country's policies particularly those being fronted now do not reflect that wish, which is why it is important that the Government pay attention to what local and would be international investors are saying and strike a balance that is a win-win for both. In your case, had PS Ndemo stuck with his proposal that he made in 2007, Internet Research would not be experiencing any hurdles. The local component would also have been preserved in a manner not detrimental to your company. I hope that PS Ndemo will address the issue of your company. Kenya as an African country should not be deterring Kenyan or any other African investors who are credible and who operate and respect our laws and institutions instead of trampling them underfoot and in the one case that has been mentioned, deliberately failing to meet their obligations for over 4 years. These are the same types of investors who have been rejected by Altech, the nations of Papua New Guinea, Malawi, Nigeria. The same characters who failed to meet their licence obligations for years in New Zealand and were lucky to get token percentage ownership of what was left when credible investors took over and who in Lesotho have been engaged in tax and roaming link frauds. http://rapidshare.com/files/152715858/fraud_in_lesotho.pdf They finally found a safe haven to land in Kenya embraced by a culture of impunity where it does not matter if you meet your obligations or if you operate with cancelled licences provided powerful vested interests pave and coerce the way for you. When we reject investors whom we know such as Eric and embrace undesirable investors instead, it shows why we precisely are lagging behind in FDI. Indeed if Kenya gave investors 5 years as it did in this particular case to pay licencing fees, the country would be overwhelmed with numerous investors. As the occassion of Moi Day graces us today, the Moi government despite its many flaws was quick to realize what type of animal this was and correctly rejected them not just once but twice. Peterson On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:31:48 +0000 "Eric M.K Osiakwan" <emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh> wrote: >Dear Peterson, > >Thanks for establishing a set of facts and am sure the right >people >would respond to the issues you have riased. I hope the discussion > >would continue on a factual basis and not degenerate. > >I want to also present one set of facts regarding my participation >in >the TEAMS project. My company, Internet Research went through the > >entire process and indeed qualified to be allocated shares but at >one >of the proposed shareholders meeting, the issue of local ownership > >came up. > >Majority of the proposed shareholders at that meeting made the >argument that Kenyan tax payers money was being used to >"underwrite" >the risk associated with the project so only local operators or >companies which meet the local ownership structure should be >allowed. >My company and a few others which did not meet the criteria >establish >at that meeting, gracefully exited. > >My lawyers represented me at the said meeting and further on, the > >explanation of local operators meant East African companies which > >again, i did not qualify to. Now, while i really wished i was part >of >the project, i did see much reasoning in the principles >established. >However my other company which had majority Kenyan ownership got >allocations and is since part of the TEAMS shareholders. > >Eric here > > >On 10 Oct 2008, at 06:10, mwananchi(a)hushmail.com wrote: > >> John, >> >> Dr. Bonny Khalwale on Wednesday in parliament as Chairman of the >> Parliamentary Accounts Committee in Parliament questioned why >the >> Government, presumably through the Info. and Comm. and other >> related dockets was jeopardising our national security by >selling >> shares in the telecoms sector to foreigners. >> http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/-/1064/478582/-/ywrqttz/- >> /index.html >> >> Dr. Khalwale was obviously not aware of PS Ndemo's latest and >> seemingly hurried initiative to abolish local shareholding >> requirements in the ICT sector and it should no doubt be brought >to >> Parliament's attention and the public's notice. >> http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnJOE4950WH.html >> >> It is time PS Ndemo presented himself in his official capacity >to >> Kenyans before the Parliamentary committee and named the foreign >> companies that have threatened not to invest in Kenya because >they >> cannot allegedly partner with Kenyans! Kenyans should never >condone >> blackmail, let alone from foreigners whose sole goal is to make >hay >> while the sun shines from Kenyans without engaging in knowledge >and >> technology transfer, indigenous wealth creation and other >derived >> benefits that newly industrialised countries (China, India etc) >> have reaped from enforcing local ownership requirements. >> >> It is time such critical decisions that affect the nation were >> taken out of the hands of individuals who through possibly >coerced >> strokes of pens to gazettements seriously compromise the >nation's >> march to progression in indigenous ownership of sectors of the >> economy. Such critical decisions should belong in the hands of >> Wananchi through Parliamentarians who should debate and ratify >such >> critical and arbitrary gazettements. >> >> Recently we saw the results of ill advised policies that favour >> foreigners at the expense of indigenous Kenyans. We saw >Safaricom's >> share price become thoroughly depressed by foreigners who were >in a >> rush to dump the shares. The greatest sufferers were local >> investors many of whom were already short changed with their >paltry >> 21 percent share allocation. Yet the powers that be, sought to >> favour foreigners who have no allegiance to the nation at the >> expense of Wananchi. >> >> What has PS Ndemo done to improve and increase local ownership >in >> the ICT sector before concluding that such efforts and >approaches >> were futile and that Kenyans were useless investors? If Ndemo >truly >> had the interests of Kenyans at heart he wouldn't be putting >> foreigners ahead of Kenyans! Similarly why has Ndemo been >appending >> his signature to documents that favour Libyans amongst other >> foreigners that undermine Wananchi while holding a public office >> that demands maintaining public trust and protecting public >> interest? >> http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1143990641&cid=4 >> >> The Law regarding Acting on behalf of foreigners interests: >> >http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHi >s >> toryID=12838 >> >> Why is PS Ndemo purporting to fix what is not broken? Kenya >> recorded a 1330% increase in FDI in 2007, perhaps PS Ndemo could >be >> excused for the oversight at the time of his arbitrary >> pronouncement. Surely something must be working right.. >> >> http://africa.reuters.com/country/TZ/news/usnLO172755.html >> The report showed that FDI to Kenya rose to $728 million in >> 2007 compared with $51 million in the previous year, a rise >> of close to 1,330 percent. "Kenya's FDI increased due to >> large privatisation sales in the telecommunications industry >> and investment in railways," Naiko said. >> >> The Econet sham has been misused repeatedly by PS Ndemo as the >> reason for his rationale in first reducing local shareholding >> requirements from 30%, down to 20% and now to his envisioned >ZERO%. >> Instead of looking at the root cause of the matter which are >> unfavorable policies towards local investors, a hostile lending >> environment towards startups, poor vetting, poor tendering >> procedures, poor due diligence and irregularities by the >regulator >> and reforming those, he appears keen to lambast and blame >anything >> and everything else on Wananchi rather than address the root >causes >> by instituting and promoting professional changes and >improvements >> in the afflicted public institutions. Indeed how did bankrupt >KNFC >> and Econet meet the US$100m threshhold of turnover for tendering >> when Deloitte and Touche audited accounts show Econet's largest >> operation (before they were bundled out of Nigeria for not >having >> paid for their shares) having a turnover then of a mere US$8 >> million and KNFC's total assets valued at Ksh 20million as of >2006? >> The poor financials and the exercise of due care in conducting >due >> diligence by the regulator are the reasons why the licence fee >> could not be paid to the GK within the proscribed period and it >has >> nothing to do with the vast majority of local investors whom >Ndemo >> is trying to vilify. PS Ndemo and Treasury should let the public >> know if Econet has forfeited and paid in full its US$1.3 million >> bid bond to the exchequer for failure to pay the licence fees in >> cash as required: >> >> Audited Financials: >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152242139/Financials.pdf >> Miscellaneous: >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152242138/NjiriSA.pdf >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152242137/EconetSA.pdf >> >> For all we know PS Ndemo could have been misled by vested and >> powerful interests in the matter. Naturally the principles of >> justice dictate that he ought to be given the accordance of the >> benefit of doubt but if his deliberate actions show otherwise >then >> the wheels of justice must run their course. If it takes 14 >years >> as it did for the eventual trial and judgement of Oluga and >Somaia >> for fraud against the Republic, then so be it. >> >> This is why if Ndemo is indeed innocent, he should not hesitate >to >> speedily request KACC, the CID, Kenya's numerous independent >anti- >> corruption organisations, any willing international partners >with >> forensic investigation capacities, members of the public to work >> towards investigating the matter. It is also important that the >PS' >> accomplishments on behalf of the nation are not blighted by a >few >> but serious malfeasances if he was indeed misled. PS Ndemo's >> involvement in the matter is a serious issue considering what >the >> law states about deliberately subverting directives and rulings >> such as the Minister's cancellation of the licence, given that >> deliberate ignorance of court rulings and Ministerial >cancellations >> is classified under law as fraud. >> >> The law as regards Misleading the public: >> >http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHi >s >> toryID=12843 >> >> Section 354 of Chapter XXXV (Miscellaneous Offences Against >Public >> Authority) of the Laws of Kenya: >> >> “ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY UTTERS AS AND FOR A SUBSISTING >> AND EFFECTUAL DOCUMENT ANY DOCUMENT WHICH HAS BY ANY >> LAWFUL AUTHORITY BEEN ORDERED TO BE REVOKED, CANCELLED >> OR SUSPENDED, or the operation of which has ceased by >> effluxion of time, or by death, or by the happening of >> any other event, is guilty of an offence of the same >> kind, and IS LIABLE TO THE SAME PUNISHMENT, AS IF HE HAD >> FORGED THE DOCUMENT,” >> >http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHi >s >> toryID=9961 >> >> Amos Wako as the AG should let Kenyans know whether he was >> consulted by PS Ndemo, what his legal opinion was if any, by >> releasing the relevant correspondence, and if so, what rationale >he >> employed in purporting to settle a case the Government had >already >> won through a final court ruling! >> >> Judge's final Ruling upholding cancellation of licence: >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152242136/Econet_v_Minister.pdf >> >> video of PS Ndemo personally signing the sham "settlement >> agreement": >> >http://rapidshare.com/files/152229210/en_bs_250707_econectknfc.mp4 >> >> Laws of Kenya regarding the Giving of advice: >> >http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHi >s >> toryID=12842 >> >> AG Wako has shown previously that in matters where the >Government >> will ultimately prevail, the Government will not hesitate to >uphold >> the public interest even where the outcome could embarrass the >> executive as was the unprecedented case of Kenya Duty Free v GK >> where the Government's winning defence was that the former >> President had taken a US$2 million bribe from the applicant. >> >http://www.freshfields.com/news/mediareleases/mediarelease.asp?id=1 >0 >> 19 >> >> It is an inescapable fact that PS Ndemo seems to wish away that >the >> Econet licence was Scandal number 10 in Edward Clay's list of 20 >> scandals committed against the nation: >> http://rapidshare.com/files/152246719/20Scandals.pdf >> >> What happened to Ndemo's rather reasonable previous requirement >in >> 2007 about local ownership, did vested foreign and "local - >> Mobitelea like" interests twist his arm and coerce him to change >> his mind?? >> >> What we are saying is that a foreign investor needs time to >> (get to) know whom he can work with," Ndemo says. "In three >> years he can do a private placement or in five years do an >> IPO (initial public offering) or introduce employee option >> plans, but they must give 30 per cent to locals." >> >> The issues are very simple, Ndemo should come clean and cease >> condoning and abetting the commission of illegal acts against >the >> public trust and interest that involve a permanently CANCELLED >and >> thus null and void license; open the matter to public scrutiny >and >> investigation and mostly importantly it is his duty as a Kenyan >to >> find constructive ways of promoting indigenous Kenyan ownership >> instead of working day and night to find ways to increase >ownership >> by foreigners at the expense of Wananchi. It is indeed absurd >that >> when Mama Mboga attempts to make a living without having a valid >> licence, she will certainly face the wrath of askaris, how >> foreigners can blantantly walk into Kenya, disenfranchise their >> local component with blessings from vested interests and when >their >> licence is cancelled continue to operate without a valid licence >> and without a new tender being called reeks of impunity at best. >> >> When 48 members of Parliament in 2003 rose up to be counted, >they >> surely knew what the animal they were pointing out, the same >animal >> that now disrespects Kenyan institutions as it continues to run >> around while flashing a long cancelled and now null and void >> licence as part of a grand and colossal fraud. >> http://www.telegeography.com/cu/article.php?article_id=2030 >> >> Peterson Olale >> >> On Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:59:44 +0000 John Maina ><j.maina(a)ymail.com> >> wrote: >>> Brian >>> >>> We dont dispute that. >>> >>> We are asking about the fact that the government is ignoring >court >>> injuctions which were shown there >>> >>> Why ignore court cases? >>> >>> JM >>> >>> ----- Original Message ---- >>> From: Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> >>> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >>> Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2008 4:54:50 PM >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Econet Haters.... :-D >>> >>> Brian, >>> >>> As kictanet chairman with all the 'forum powers', I honestly >feel >>> that it is unfair for you to drag on this conversation at least >>> from a >>> "fair play" perspective.... >>> >>> If you choose not to kill the thread, at least you should avoid >>> being >>> a discussant? >>> >>> regards, >>> >>> Alex >>> >> >> -- >> Click now for fast, reliable freight services! >> http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/ >> Ioyw6h4c9uglgm0nbIOqilxqN6aFkwmGgX3I12EQDEHE2v5xWXwRnE/ >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ >> mailman/options/kictanet/emko%40internetresearch.com.gh > >Eric M.K Osiakwan >ICT Integrator >Internet Research >www.internetresearch.com.gh >emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh >42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 2031 >Fax: +233.21.258811 >Cell: +233.24.4386792 -- Click here to find the perfect picture with our powerful photo search features. http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4dI2fuieHUs9u60CARmGzNKq95mRuRCufOKcZ4…

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India's Draft Innovation Law
by John Maina 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3445#post3445

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Re: [kictanet] Malaysia/Policy Clarifications
by Bill Kagai 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Daktari, This response is a clear sign of top notch leadership. Thx for clarifying for those of us who were in the dark. On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 8:07 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > Dear All, > I am in Malaysia. This country's development is awesome. Their > e-applications are indeed something we all aught to learn from. You can > see the positive energy to move their country out of poverty in their > eyes. We must find ways to emulate these people and move away from self > interest that is tearing our country apart. > > Prior to my travel here, I made some statements regarding local ownership > of ICT investments with the aim of reviewing our policy. This is what I > am employed to do and I am still consulting with stakeholders to see how > to advance the policy change. Specifically, I argued as follows: > • The drop in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in our sector is as a > result > of rigid policy on ownership of investments; > • We must work toward attracting FDI if we have to sort out > unemployment > of our youth which has reached crisis levels; > • Large ICT multinationals have requested exemptions to this policy > and > would rather have the local ownership through the stock market; > • That those who have in the past purported to have the capacity to > raise > sufficient local capital have failed and cannot raise new capital thus > compromising the competitiveness of these firms; > • Protectionism leads to poor service and uncompetitive environment; > • The problem of local equity participation can be summarized by the > experience we went through during the search for the SNO – promises of > non-existent funds and extortionism; > • The absence of local equity participation in some foreign banks did > not > stop Equity Bank from growing phenomenally; > • There is no threat to domination from foreigners since local firms > have > made great strides to eventually partner with multinationals from points > of strength (read KDN/Altech; Safaricom/Onecom partnerships) and it is > encouraging to see other local firms such as Access, Jamii, Wananchi etc > coming up strongly that we don't need to require multinationals to seek > for partners up front at the expense of our unemployed youths; and > • My liberalist economic approach is what in my view would make our > country considering that some decisions we made along the same lines have > greatly impacted all our lives. > Take for example the liberalization of International Gateways. There were > threats to our lives that we could not survive to see the benefits. These > were threats made by those who benefited from illegal terminations of > calls through Telkom Network leading to losses in excess of one billion > shillings per year. I am surprised that this move pains some people to > date when we are enjoying lower tariffs with a more efficient Telkom. I > have no regrets on Telkom reforms at all and I am sure you all know that I > never run from any responsibility. > > The Libyan matter has never been an issue before considering the fact that > this are standard MOUs that we sign regularly whenever we market Kenya out > there as an investment destination. Yes I signed the MOU and the two ICT > items in the MOU, that is, Telkom Kenya and Teams never went to Libyans > since they lost in the bid process and rejected by local investors > respectively. In the same MOU were Energy items and of course Grand > Regency but MOUs are not sale agreements. We sign lots of these MOUs and > even today here in Malaysia I have had to sign two. These are public > documents accessible to any Kenyan and there is nothing to hide in the > course of serving our country. > > I have never in my life met Moi and as far as I am concerned I have never > crossed his path either in his business or himself as a person. The > decision to extricate the Government from the Econet saga in my view saved > the tax payers a great deal of money. I was not there when this matter > started and I still do not understand the whole transaction but it makes > great sense to remove the Government from any liability. If such a > decision did not favour anybody, then the courts can settle and in any > case, this matter is still sub judice. > > Back to policy. If you have noted, we are launching an average of two ICT > firms per a week. Large BPO multinationals have told me to my face that > until we sort out the local ownership issue, they are going elsewhere. > These are firms that employ in excess of 30,000 BPO agents. Investment in > the sector runs into billions of shillings which people like myself cannot > even dream of raising even 1% (and this is true for many of us in Kenya). > Do we let such opportunities slip by because we want to be nationalists? > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > >

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Solving Flareups
by Gakuru Alex 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Hustler, As a foundation engagement principles factuality and best courteous are fundamentals. When the starting point is for *bizzare* example;) "X sleeps with Y's wife" (or vice-versa) then 'diplomatically' asking "defend yourself?" would be uncivil and pretentious democratic maturity. Accepting such tangents of engagement implies embedding hearsay 'free expression' on otherwise intelligent discussions. In fact, responding to as such framed types of accusations, whether correct or misplaced, qualifies them or at the very least honours or dignifies the accusations with an answer. I beleive one is better off rising above these attacks because they are not just below the belt, they are waaaay below if not from under the feet;) Therefore, my openly announced decision to suspend discussants was based on this line of though/argument. I am not sorry for it and re-state nor have the stomach to allow *any such distractions* to come in the way of diverting valued "information consumers" attention view and best-interests pursuit. Needless to say, don't we all know the havoc reckless and fast e-communications can cause? Ili hili liwe funzo kwa wanaochochea e-fitina. Regards, Alex PS: Note: I suspend *hot* discussants to cool off a little then I re-state, sawa? (in so far as ke-internet users list moderation is concerned) AG On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 11:26 AM, Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 11:15 AM, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> >> The point is that as an ICT online forum, we are neither the Police, >> Anti-corruption Authority nor the Judiciary. >> >> Whether or not the accusations are true or false is really out of depth >> for this forum and members are encourage to seek the correct forum for the >> same. > > In other words, Kictanet consists a bunch of hoi polloi. We need to grow > balls otherwise, what's the point of being in a toothless list. Sometimes, > you do not wait to be given powers and roles....you create them for > yourself. > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alexgakuru.lists%40gma… > >

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www.voicesofafrica.org is LIVE
by Crystal Watley 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

http://www.voicesofafrica.org <http://www.voicesofafrica.org/>/ Our new website is LIVE and we are proud to launch it to the world! I hope you will find it as amazing as we do. It is a work in progress and we are hoping for feedback. Please, please just donate ten minutes of your time and join. If you have an extra ten minutes, maybe waiting for a download, start a blog. Please post your research and your stories. It is intended to bridge the digital divide and to eradicate poverty through sustainable development. I know that everyone has something to say. When you are on the site check out our three proposals. Two are model telecentres and the third is an ICT4D training school. I want to thank those of you who have helped us to achieve this victory. To those of you who have been waiting for an opportunity to help. This is it. And to those of you who have doubted us and been skeptical, thank you for your encouragement. It is through our trials we become stronger. P.S. If you find any bugs please report them to our exterminator extraordinaire, Andrew Ouko at andrew.ouko(a)gmail.com. Asante sana. Thank you. Many blessings, Crystal -- Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Project Director and Development Innovator Voices of Africa crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by mwananchi＠hushmail.com 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

John, Dr. Bonny Khalwale on Wednesday in parliament as Chairman of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee in Parliament questioned why the Government, presumably through the Info. and Comm. and other related dockets was jeopardising our national security by selling shares in the telecoms sector to foreigners. http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/-/1064/478582/-/ywrqttz/- /index.html Dr. Khalwale was obviously not aware of PS Ndemo's latest and seemingly hurried initiative to abolish local shareholding requirements in the ICT sector and it should no doubt be brought to Parliament's attention and the public's notice. http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnJOE4950WH.html It is time PS Ndemo presented himself in his official capacity to Kenyans before the Parliamentary committee and named the foreign companies that have threatened not to invest in Kenya because they cannot allegedly partner with Kenyans! Kenyans should never condone blackmail, let alone from foreigners whose sole goal is to make hay while the sun shines from Kenyans without engaging in knowledge and technology transfer, indigenous wealth creation and other derived benefits that newly industrialised countries (China, India etc) have reaped from enforcing local ownership requirements. It is time such critical decisions that affect the nation were taken out of the hands of individuals who through possibly coerced strokes of pens to gazettements seriously compromise the nation's march to progression in indigenous ownership of sectors of the economy. Such critical decisions should belong in the hands of Wananchi through Parliamentarians who should debate and ratify such critical and arbitrary gazettements. Recently we saw the results of ill advised policies that favour foreigners at the expense of indigenous Kenyans. We saw Safaricom's share price become thoroughly depressed by foreigners who were in a rush to dump the shares. The greatest sufferers were local investors many of whom were already short changed with their paltry 21 percent share allocation. Yet the powers that be, sought to favour foreigners who have no allegiance to the nation at the expense of Wananchi. What has PS Ndemo done to improve and increase local ownership in the ICT sector before concluding that such efforts and approaches were futile and that Kenyans were useless investors? If Ndemo truly had the interests of Kenyans at heart he wouldn't be putting foreigners ahead of Kenyans! Similarly why has Ndemo been appending his signature to documents that favour Libyans amongst other foreigners that undermine Wananchi while holding a public office that demands maintaining public trust and protecting public interest? http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1143990641&cid=4 The Law regarding Acting on behalf of foreigners interests: http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHis toryID=12838 Why is PS Ndemo purporting to fix what is not broken? Kenya recorded a 1330% increase in FDI in 2007, perhaps PS Ndemo could be excused for the oversight at the time of his arbitrary pronouncement. Surely something must be working right.. http://africa.reuters.com/country/TZ/news/usnLO172755.html The report showed that FDI to Kenya rose to $728 million in 2007 compared with $51 million in the previous year, a rise of close to 1,330 percent. "Kenya's FDI increased due to large privatisation sales in the telecommunications industry and investment in railways," Naiko said. The Econet sham has been misused repeatedly by PS Ndemo as the reason for his rationale in first reducing local shareholding requirements from 30%, down to 20% and now to his envisioned ZERO%. Instead of looking at the root cause of the matter which are unfavorable policies towards local investors, a hostile lending environment towards startups, poor vetting, poor tendering procedures, poor due diligence and irregularities by the regulator and reforming those, he appears keen to lambast and blame anything and everything else on Wananchi rather than address the root causes by instituting and promoting professional changes and improvements in the afflicted public institutions. Indeed how did bankrupt KNFC and Econet meet the US$100m threshhold of turnover for tendering when Deloitte and Touche audited accounts show Econet's largest operation (before they were bundled out of Nigeria for not having paid for their shares) having a turnover then of a mere US$8 million and KNFC's total assets valued at Ksh 20million as of 2006? The poor financials and the exercise of due care in conducting due diligence by the regulator are the reasons why the licence fee could not be paid to the GK within the proscribed period and it has nothing to do with the vast majority of local investors whom Ndemo is trying to vilify. PS Ndemo and Treasury should let the public know if Econet has forfeited and paid in full its US$1.3 million bid bond to the exchequer for failure to pay the licence fees in cash as required: Audited Financials: http://rapidshare.com/files/152242139/Financials.pdf Miscellaneous: http://rapidshare.com/files/152242138/NjiriSA.pdf http://rapidshare.com/files/152242137/EconetSA.pdf For all we know PS Ndemo could have been misled by vested and powerful interests in the matter. Naturally the principles of justice dictate that he ought to be given the accordance of the benefit of doubt but if his deliberate actions show otherwise then the wheels of justice must run their course. If it takes 14 years as it did for the eventual trial and judgement of Oluga and Somaia for fraud against the Republic, then so be it. This is why if Ndemo is indeed innocent, he should not hesitate to speedily request KACC, the CID, Kenya's numerous independent anti- corruption organisations, any willing international partners with forensic investigation capacities, members of the public to work towards investigating the matter. It is also important that the PS' accomplishments on behalf of the nation are not blighted by a few but serious malfeasances if he was indeed misled. PS Ndemo's involvement in the matter is a serious issue considering what the law states about deliberately subverting directives and rulings such as the Minister's cancellation of the licence, given that deliberate ignorance of court rulings and Ministerial cancellations is classified under law as fraud. The law as regards Misleading the public: http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHis toryID=12843 Section 354 of Chapter XXXV (Miscellaneous Offences Against Public Authority) of the Laws of Kenya: “ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY UTTERS AS AND FOR A SUBSISTING AND EFFECTUAL DOCUMENT ANY DOCUMENT WHICH HAS BY ANY LAWFUL AUTHORITY BEEN ORDERED TO BE REVOKED, CANCELLED OR SUSPENDED, or the operation of which has ceased by effluxion of time, or by death, or by the happening of any other event, is guilty of an offence of the same kind, and IS LIABLE TO THE SAME PUNISHMENT, AS IF HE HAD FORGED THE DOCUMENT,” http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHis toryID=9961 Amos Wako as the AG should let Kenyans know whether he was consulted by PS Ndemo, what his legal opinion was if any, by releasing the relevant correspondence, and if so, what rationale he employed in purporting to settle a case the Government had already won through a final court ruling! Judge's final Ruling upholding cancellation of licence: http://rapidshare.com/files/152242136/Econet_v_Minister.pdf video of PS Ndemo personally signing the sham "settlement agreement": http://rapidshare.com/files/152229210/en_bs_250707_econectknfc.mp4 Laws of Kenya regarding the Giving of advice: http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/view_content.php?ContentHis toryID=12842 AG Wako has shown previously that in matters where the Government will ultimately prevail, the Government will not hesitate to uphold the public interest even where the outcome could embarrass the executive as was the unprecedented case of Kenya Duty Free v GK where the Government's winning defence was that the former President had taken a US$2 million bribe from the applicant. http://www.freshfields.com/news/mediareleases/mediarelease.asp?id=10 19 It is an inescapable fact that PS Ndemo seems to wish away that the Econet licence was Scandal number 10 in Edward Clay's list of 20 scandals committed against the nation: http://rapidshare.com/files/152246719/20Scandals.pdf What happened to Ndemo's rather reasonable previous requirement in 2007 about local ownership, did vested foreign and "local - Mobitelea like" interests twist his arm and coerce him to change his mind?? What we are saying is that a foreign investor needs time to (get to) know whom he can work with," Ndemo says. "In three years he can do a private placement or in five years do an IPO (initial public offering) or introduce employee option plans, but they must give 30 per cent to locals." The issues are very simple, Ndemo should come clean and cease condoning and abetting the commission of illegal acts against the public trust and interest that involve a permanently CANCELLED and thus null and void license; open the matter to public scrutiny and investigation and mostly importantly it is his duty as a Kenyan to find constructive ways of promoting indigenous Kenyan ownership instead of working day and night to find ways to increase ownership by foreigners at the expense of Wananchi. It is indeed absurd that when Mama Mboga attempts to make a living without having a valid licence, she will certainly face the wrath of askaris, how foreigners can blantantly walk into Kenya, disenfranchise their local component with blessings from vested interests and when their licence is cancelled continue to operate without a valid licence and without a new tender being called reeks of impunity at best. When 48 members of Parliament in 2003 rose up to be counted, they surely knew what the animal they were pointing out, the same animal that now disrespects Kenyan institutions as it continues to run around while flashing a long cancelled and now null and void licence as part of a grand and colossal fraud. http://www.telegeography.com/cu/article.php?article_id=2030 Peterson Olale On Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:59:44 +0000 John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: >Brian > >We dont dispute that. > >We are asking about the fact that the government is ignoring court >injuctions which were shown there > >Why ignore court cases? > >JM > >----- Original Message ---- >From: Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> >To: j.maina(a)ymail.com >Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2008 4:54:50 PM >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Econet Haters.... :-D > >Brian, > >As kictanet chairman with all the 'forum powers', I honestly feel >that it is unfair for you to drag on this conversation at least >from a >"fair play" perspective.... > >If you choose not to kill the thread, at least you should avoid >being >a discussant? > >regards, > >Alex > -- Click now for fast, reliable freight services! http://tagline.hushmail.com/fc/Ioyw6h4c9uglgm0nbIOqilxqN6aFkwmGgX3I12EQDEHE…

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by Joseph Manthi 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Dr NdemoThanks for the response. Its good to see you contributing to this discussion. You must understand the angst of Kenyans all over who took your pronouncements as decisions rather than a request for commends. Please clarify this: Are stating that the decision to allow foreign companies to operate in Kenya without local partners has not been made? Additionally are you also stating that your reported comments were nothing but a request for comments? Please let me know Joe On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 12:24 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > Dear Joseph, > I have never in my life shied away from my responsibility. It is my > responsibility to raise issues that are hurting the industry. Seeking > public views is not a crime. We are going through the discussion in order > to accomodate all views. I expected reasonable contributions. It is > important to note that since independence, we have never had to contribute > to policy making like we are doing it here now. > > > Have a diaspora day. > > Ndemo. > > > > CrystalThis is demeaning to Kenyans. You should stop discussing issues > > about > > Kenya unless you know what you are talking about. > > > > Grameen Bank and Telecom is a Bangladeshi company. Why shouldn't Kenyans > > own > > the major telecomms? Is there a law that states only foreigners can own > > these companies? > > > > Anyway I do not want to belittle this discussion by reading what > > foreigners > > think about Kenyans. Only Kenyans can solve Kenyan issues. > > > > I do not know what John is talking about (and I know John, unlike most of > > you who do not) and I am waiting to hear a response from PS Ndemo. I > think > > the least we can demand of our public servant is a fair hearing. Let Dr > > Ndemo speak for himself. And those who are just heckling should step > > aside. > > The Moi era when people just spoke good of people in power and never > > questioned their public actions (rather than private), and Dr Ndemo's > > pronouncement was a very public action, should be over. At least I hope > > so. > > > > I am looking forward to hearing Dr Ndemo pay us the honor of explaining > > his > > official action. This is serious business. We are talking about the > giving > > away of publicly owned rare resources. > > > > John et al and Brian et al - stop taking sides and making it personal. It > > is > > not personal, it is business. > > > > Joe > > > > On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 6:06 AM, John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> wrote: > > > >> Crystal > >> > >> Cheap argument. So Kenya doesnt have small Telekoms? Please stop these > >> roadside mentality > >> > >> We have our small telkoms and know that however long it will take to > >> recover and get the crooks. We will get them > >> > >> JM > >> > >> > >> > >> ----- Original Message ---- > >> From: Crystal Watley <crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org> > >> To: Fred Okono <fredokono(a)cfsk.org> > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; > >> ke-users <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> > >> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2008 6:15:39 PM > >> Subject: [ke-internetusers] Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand > >> Vested Interests > >> > >> Kenyans CAN own their own telecom. There is a minority owned telecom in > >> the > >> US and it is huge in Bangladesh. There is no reason why someone couldn't > >> do > >> it in Kenya. > >> > >> Two questions: Who has the vision? Who has the funding? > >> > >> Minority Owned Telecom in the United States > >> > >> > http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fsb/fsb_archive/2006/12/01/8395123/index.htm > >> > >> Grameen Phone in Bangladesh > >> > >> http://www.grameenphone.com/index.php?id=68 > >> > >> Asante sana, > >> > >> Crystal > >> > >> There comes time in everyone's life, where they have to stop talking and > >> start doing.... > >> > >> > >> > >> On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 9:02 AM, Fred Okono <fredokono(a)cfsk.org> wrote: > >> > >>> Dear John, > >>> > >>> You are abviously a very angry person, shooting straight from the hip - > >>> the only redeeming quality of your anger being that on the face of it, > >>> it is > >>> inspired by a love of country. But can we keep it civil? > >>> > >>> Indeed Kenyans should own all our strategic and fundamental > >>> infrastructure, but nothing is wrong with seeking foreign back-up on > >>> our way > >>> to that rarefied goal. I'd rather we had fully foreign-owned > >>> enterprises > >>> operating locally, employing a large number of my compatriots, paying > >>> taxes > >>> to the government, creating greater consumer utility through > >>> competition and > >>> generating auxilliary business opportunities both upstream and > >>> downstream > >>> than have no such investments, locally owned or otherwise. > >>> > >>> And most importantly, there is no law stopping enterprising Kenyans > >>> from > >>> making future bids - WHOLLY KENYAN - for such opportunities! Like you > >>> rightly pointed out, the Safaricom IPO revealed our hunger for sound > >>> investments - what we seem to lack are inspired local entrepreneurs to > >>> harness this. We need more TransCenturies then we can effectively take > >>> on > >>> those foreign investors and competitors without need for extreme > >>> protectionist policies. > >>> > >>> As for PS Ndemo - he is one of our best. The very fact that he is part > >>> of > >>> and an occassional contributor to this forum speaks of his belief in > >>> transparency and accountability. And personal interraction with him > >>> reinforces this impression. Please let us not pull down and drag in the > >>> mud > >>> the few really good people we have! > >>> > >>> ** > >>> *Fredrick Okono ** * > >>> *Deputy Director* > >>> * > >>> ------------------------------ > >>> ** * > >>> *Computers for Schools Kenya * > >>> Semco Business Park | Unit 1, Mombasa Road | P.O. Box 48584-00100 | > >>> Nairobi , Kenya | > >>> Tel:254(0)202060919, Tel/Fax: 254 (0)20 2060920 Mobile > >>> (0)723-527106|Email:[email protected] <Email%3Afredokono(a)cfsk.org> < > mary(a)cfsk.org>|Website: > >>> www.cfsk.org > >>> > >>> > >>> ----- Original Message ----- > >>> *From:* John Maina <j.maina(a)ymail.com> > >>> *To:* fredokono(a)cfsk.org > >>> *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > ; > >>> ke-users <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> > >>> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 08, 2008 2:20 PM > >>> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested > >>> Interests > >>> > >>> Nick > >>> > >>> You see that its only people like you who are in Kenya not to develope > >>> Kenya but to exploit are the ones supporting Ndemo. Crooks like him. > >>> You are > >>> known and even the BPO society know you as someone who is known not to > >>> support the general development and economic improvement of thee > >>> country. > >>> > >>> You are known as someone who even his own staff he has consistently > >>> paid > >>> poorly. When did Ndemo give Kenyans a chance to buy the companies and > >>> they > >>> said they couldnt? He wouldd rather go to Libya and go and make secret > >>> deals > >>> there. Am not suprised that you support him but know that no matter how > >>> long > >>> it takees. Kenyans will recover Kenya from looters like you > >>> > >>> JM > >>> ----- Original Message ---- > >>> From: nicholasnesbitt <nnesbitt(a)kencall.com> > >>> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com > >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; > >>> ke-users <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> > >>> Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2008 7:13:01 PM > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests > >>> > >>> I agree totally. > >>> Sounds like someone needs to do something more productive than try to > >>> insinuate there is anything wrong here with Kenya becoming a more > >>> investor > >>> friendly and respectful environment.... Perhaps this person needs to > >>> put > >>> their own money where their mouth is and then they will get a very > >>> different > >>> perspective about how they would like their money to be used if they > >>> were to > >>> invest in anything substantial in Kenya... > >>> > >>> It is Econet's investors' money. It is not Kenya's money... > >>> > >>> Do we want the investment in Kenya, the competition, the jobs, the > >>> participation of Essar, or do we want to play a nationalistic game > >>> based on > >>> rich and passively investing Kenyans getting the lion's share of > >>> someone's > >>> investment in Kenya, just because they are powerful and the law > >>> mandates > >>> that they they should have a piece of someone else's hard earned > >>> investment? > >>> The wananchi wouldn't share in any Econet investment even if it were > >>> still > >>> required by the law to have a local partner, it would be some Mobiletea > >>> kinds of individuals who would slide up to Econet and scare them into > >>> partnering with the locals... just the same way as it always has been > >>> in > >>> Kenya and in such countries that adopt such market distorting and > >>> investment > >>> unfriendly policies... > >>> Bravo, Daktari Ndemo! > >>> > >>> > >>> Nicholas A. Nesbitt > >>> Chief Executive Officer > >>> KenCall EPZ Ltd > >>> P.O. Box 27507 - 00506 > >>> Sameer Industrial Park, Mombasa Road > >>> Nairobi, Kenya > >>> > >>> +254.20.660.2000 (office) > >>> +254.20.660.2222 (fax) > >>> +254.721.458.458 (cell) > >>> > >>> nnesbitt(a)kencall.com > >>> www.kencall.com > >>> > >>> BEST Non-European Contact Centre 2008 > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> *Fastest Growing Top 100 company* > >>> > >>> On Oct 7, 2008, at 7:01 PM, Crystal Watley wrote: > >>> > >>> I have known Dr. Ndemo for some time now and have found him to be > >>> nothing less than a man of integrity. I have seen his name drawn > >>> through the > >>> mud next to other politicians in the past. Let me be very honest and > >>> frank > >>> in this matter. > >>> > >>> When are we in Kenya going to get past this political mud slinging and > >>> look at the actual WORK performance of our leaders? When I watch the > >>> news I > >>> see very few Kenyan political leaders really working. They are always > >>> campaigning and pretending THAT is their job. In many cases it IS their > >>> way > >>> of making money, although it is NOT what we pay them for doing. > >>> > >>> Most of our political leaders do not have the ACTUAL work performance > >>> record of Dr. Ndemo. We know the long hours he works. I have been in > >>> his > >>> office at 7 am and at 7 pm. Those of us of who know him have seen this > >>> is > >>> the rule NOT the exception. > >>> > >>> Someday I hope in Kenya we understand we must judge everyone in public > >>> office by their actual work PERFORMANCE. Politicians are OUR employees. > >>> They > >>> work for the people of Kenya. They should be judged as an employer > >>> views an > >>> employee. How hard are they working for develoment? What good comes > >>> from > >>> their initiatives? Are they professional? Are they in the office > >>> working? We > >>> need to set higher standards for our government. This is not > >>> accomplished by > >>> breaking the good ones down. > >>> > >>> Asante sana. > >>> > >>> Crystal > >>> > >>> On Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 9:32 AM, Brian Munyao Longwe > >>> <brian(a)caret.net>wrote: > >>> > >>>> Smells like a smear campaign to me. > >>>> > >>>> I see nothing that Ndemo has done wrong. > >>>> > >>>> B > >>>> > >>>> On Oct 7, 2008, at 8:43 AM, John Maina wrote: > >>>> > >>>> > http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#post3150 > >>>> > > >>>> > _______________________________________________ > >>>> > kictanet mailing list > >>>> > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>> > > >>>> > This message was sent to: brian(a)caret.net > >>>> > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > >>>> > mailman/options/kictanet/brian%40caret.net > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> kictanet mailing list > >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>> > >>>> This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>>> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… > >>>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Crystal "Naliaka" Watley > >>> Voices of Africa > >>> crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > >>> http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ > >>> > >>> "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> kictanet mailing list > >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>> http://lists..kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>> > >>> This message was sent to: nnesbitt(a)kencall.com > >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/nnesbitt%40kencall.com > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> ------------------------------ > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> kictanet mailing list > >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>> > >>> This message was sent to: fredokono(a)cfsk.org > >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/fredokono%40cfsk.org > >>> > >>> ------------------------------ > >>> > >>> > >>> No virus found in this incoming message. > >>> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > >>> Version: 8.0.173 / Virus Database: 270.7.6/1713 - Release Date: > >>> 10/7/2008 > >>> 6:40 PM > >>> > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> kictanet mailing list > >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>> > >>> This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… > >>> > >>> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> Crystal "Naliaka" Watley > >> Voices of Africa > >> crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > >> http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ > >> > >> "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: jmanthi(a)gmail.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmail.com > >> > >> > > > > > > -- > > Joseph Manthi > > CEO > > MEO Ltd > > http://www.meoltd.com > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > -- Joseph Manthi CEO MEO Ltd http://www.meoltd.com

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Re: [kictanet] Econet Haters.... :-D
by John Maina 09 Oct '08

09 Oct '08

Brian We dont dispute that. We are asking about the fact that the government is ignoring court injuctions which were shown there Why ignore court cases? JM ----- Original Message ---- From: Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2008 4:54:50 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Econet Haters.... :-D Brian, As kictanet chairman with all the 'forum powers', I honestly feel that it is unfair for you to drag on this conversation at least from a "fair play" perspective.... If you choose not to kill the thread, at least you should avoid being a discussant? regards, Alex On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 4:42 PM, Brian Munyao Longwe <brian(a)caret.net> wrote: > Well, you know in any bid or competition there have to be winners and > losers. It's just that some know how to lose graciously and politely > accept defeat while others simply cannot accept a loss - and then > resort to all sorts of underhand tactics. I think that this issue > with the 3rd GSM is a perfect example. > > There were many bidders. KTIG was kicked out at the technical (1st > stage) because their bid did not meet the stringent technical > criteria. Why didn't any others bidders (and especially those who > made it to the 2nd (financial) round cry foul? > > It also bemuses me that this chip is still being carried by the KTIG > folk - and that they would so violently attact someone as reputable > as Ndemo, simply because he made a favourable comment about an > investor who is bringing significant investment (over US$ 500m) into > the country and region. > > beats me! > > Brian > > On Oct 9, 2008, at 4:37 PM, Barrack Otieno wrote: > >> Well i may not qualify as a judge but i guess this is not meant for >> Kictanet, better still i am not sure whether Kriegler has left the >> country in my humble opinion what we need is a win win situation >> otherwise tutabaki Nyuma >> Regards >> >> On 10/9/08, Brian Munyao Longwe <brian(a)caret.net> wrote: >>> I strongly suspected that this was all about KTIG (Kenyan diaspora >>> living in America), their loss of 3rd mobile bid and subsequent >>> clumsy attempts to legally obfuscate the eventual award to Econet. >>> >>> It must really feel bad to see that Econet are finally getting their >>> network live. Woyeeeee.... >>> >>> I remember 3-4 years ago saying that when I see the Econet signal >>> (though I understand they are adopting a different brand name) as an >>> available network in Kenya that I would say a silent prayer for the >>> righteous..... >>> >>> Now maybe I should just laugh hysterically! >>> >>> Brian >>> >>> On Oct 9, 2008, at 2:10 PM, John Maina wrote: >>> _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: j.maina(a)ymail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/j.maina%40ymail.com

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests
by John Maina 09 Oct '08

09 Oct '08

Crystal Cheap argument. So Kenya doesnt have small Telekoms? Please stop these roadside mentality We have our small telkoms and know that however long it will take to recover and get the crooks. We will get them JM ----- Original Message ---- From: Crystal Watley <crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org> To: Fred Okono <fredokono(a)cfsk.org> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; ke-users <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2008 6:15:39 PM Subject: [ke-internetusers] Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests Kenyans CAN own their own telecom. There is a minority owned telecom in the US and it is huge in Bangladesh. There is no reason why someone couldn't do it in Kenya. Two questions: Who has the vision? Who has the funding? Minority Owned Telecom in the United States http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fsb/fsb_archive/2006/12/01/8395123/index.htm Grameen Phone in Bangladesh http://www.grameenphone.com/index.php?id=68 Asante sana, Crystal There comes time in everyone's life, where they have to stop talking and start doing.... On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 9:02 AM, Fred Okono <fredokono(a)cfsk.org> wrote: Dear John, You are abviously a very angry person, shooting straight from the hip - the only redeeming quality of your anger being that on the face of it, it is inspired by a love of country. But can we keep it civil? Indeed Kenyans should own all our strategic and fundamental infrastructure, but nothing is wrong with seeking foreign back-up on our way to that rarefied goal. I'd rather we had fully foreign-owned enterprises operating locally, employing a large number of my compatriots, paying taxes to the government, creating greater consumer utility through competition and generating auxilliary business opportunities both upstream and downstream than have no such investments, locally owned or otherwise. And most importantly, there is no law stopping enterprising Kenyans from making future bids - WHOLLY KENYAN - for such opportunities! Like you rightly pointed out, the Safaricom IPO revealed our hunger for sound investments - what we seem to lack are inspired local entrepreneurs to harness this. We need more TransCenturies then we can effectively take on those foreign investors and competitors without need for extreme protectionist policies. As for PS Ndemo - he is one of our best. The very fact that he is part of and an occassional contributor to this forum speaks of his belief in transparency and accountability. And personal interraction with him reinforces this impression. Please let us not pull down and drag in the mud the few really good people we have! Fredrick Okono Deputy Director ________________________________ Computers for Schools Kenya SemcoBusiness Park | Unit 1, Mombasa Road | P.O. Box 48584-00100 | Nairobi , Kenya | Tel:254(0)202060919, Tel/Fax: 254 (0)20 2060920 Mobile (0)723-527106|Email:[email protected]|Website: www.cfsk.org ----- Original Message ----- From: John Maina To: fredokono(a)cfsk.org Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions ; ke-users Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 2:20 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests Nick You see that its only people like you who are in Kenya not to develope Kenya but to exploit are the ones supporting Ndemo. Crooks like him. You are known and even the BPO society know you as someone who is known not to support the general development and economic improvement of thee country. You are known as someone who even his own staff he has consistently paid poorly. When did Ndemo give Kenyans a chance to buy the companies and they said they couldnt? He wouldd rather go to Libya and go and make secret deals there. Am not suprised that you support him but know that no matter how long it takees. Kenyans will recover Kenya from looters like you JM ----- Original Message ---- From: nicholasnesbitt <nnesbitt(a)kencall.com> To: j.maina(a)ymail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; ke-users <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2008 7:13:01 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] PS Ndemo, ECONET Scandal aand Vested Interests I agree totally. Sounds like someone needs to do something more productive than try to insinuate there is anything wrong here with Kenya becoming a more investor friendly and respectful environment.... Perhaps this person needs to put their own money where their mouth is and then they will get a very different perspective about how they would like their money to be used if they were to invest in anything substantial in Kenya... It is Econet's investors' money. It is not Kenya's money... Do we want the investment in Kenya, the competition, the jobs, the participation of Essar, or do we want to play a nationalistic game based on rich and passively investing Kenyans getting the lion's share of someone's investment in Kenya, just because they are powerful and the law mandates that they they should have a piece of someone else's hard earned investment? The wananchi wouldn't share in any Econet investment even if it were still required by the law to have a local partner, it would be some Mobiletea kinds of individuals who would slide up to Econet and scare them into partnering with the locals... just the same way as it always has been in Kenya and in such countries that adopt such market distorting and investment unfriendly policies... Bravo, Daktari Ndemo! Nicholas A. Nesbitt Chief Executive Officer KenCall EPZ Ltd P.O. Box 27507 - 00506 Sameer Industrial Park, Mombasa Road Nairobi, Kenya +254.20.660.2000 (office) +254.20.660.2222 (fax) +254.721.458.458 (cell) nnesbitt(a)kencall.com www.kencall.com BEST Non-European Contact Centre 2008 Fastest Growing Top 100 company On Oct 7, 2008, at 7:01 PM, Crystal Watley wrote: I have known Dr. Ndemo for some time now and have found him to be nothing less than a man of integrity. I have seen his name drawn through the mud next to other politicians in the past. Let me be very honest and frank in this matter. When are we in Kenya going to get past this political mud slinging and look at the actual WORK performance of our leaders? When I watch the news I see very few Kenyan political leaders really working. They are always campaigning and pretending THAT is their job. In many cases it IS their way of making money, although it is NOT what we pay them for doing. Most of our political leaders do not have the ACTUAL work performance record of Dr. Ndemo. We know the long hours he works. I have been in his office at 7 am and at 7 pm. Those of us of who know him have seen this is the rule NOT the exception. Someday I hope in Kenya we understand we must judge everyone in public office by their actual work PERFORMANCE. Politicians are OUR employees. They work for the people of Kenya. They should be judged as an employer views an employee. How hard are they working for develoment? What good comes from their initiatives? Are they professional? Are they in the office working? We need to set higher standards for our government. This is not accomplished by breaking the good ones down. Asante sana. Crystal On Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 9:32 AM, Brian Munyao Longwe <brian(a)caret.net> wrote: Smells like a smear campaign to me. I see nothing that Ndemo has done wrong. B On Oct 7, 2008, at 8:43 AM, John Maina wrote: > http://www.wananchiforums.com/showthread.php?p=3150#post3150 > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: brian(a)caret.net > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > mailman/options/kictanet/brian%40caret.net _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… -- Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Voices of Africa crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists..kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: nnesbitt(a)kencall.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/nnesbitt%40kencall.com ________________________________ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: fredokono(a)cfsk.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/fredokono%40cfsk.org ________________________________ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.173 / Virus Database: 270.7.6/1713 - Release Date: 10/7/2008 6:40 PM _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… -- Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Voices of Africa crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi

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