- KICTANet - KICTANet

Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya
by Alex Gakuru 08 Jul '08

08 Jul '08

Kevit, Please educate me who are KEPSA, KIF, and Centurion Systems(you?) and how they inter-relate to enlighten the conversation on the underlying dynamics. If they have published websites(vision, mission, strategy members, leadership hierarchy... etc)- that would be most useful. Now at the political stage;) then will come motives and finally whatever proposals each could be advancing.... regards, --- On Mon, 7/7/08, Kevit Desai <kevit(a)centurionsystemltd.com> wrote: > From: Kevit Desai <kevit(a)centurionsystemltd.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya > To: "alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com" <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: "Kevit Desai" <kevit(a)centurionsystemsltd.com>, "kictanet-lists" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Monday, July 7, 2008, 11:15 PM > Hi Alex, > The Barcamp was a great success. We do need to congratulate > > Skunkworks. Maybe Riaz can tell us how we can scale things > up? > Innovation is a national theme. So many people are > involved. > > KEPSA elections for Governors and Directors are in April > 09. > > Kevit Desai > > > > > > > On 8 Jul 2008, at 07:07, Alex Gakuru > <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > There is so much work outstanding yet > > so many just want jobs and flashy titles > > Fat salaries and untaxed allowances > > Not that they will excel at the jobs > > No! They will instead obstruct others > > Use their high office appointments to > > frustrate real workers and innovators > > Then lobby for own private interests > > Using the high offices just acquired > > > > This is how I view issues these days: > > > > 1. Start with the politics on the subject > > 2. Study the motives of involved actors > > 3. Then get to the details or proposals > > (If there will be a need after, that is) > > > > "Regulating" akin to "Controlling" > is archic > > Even the future of sector regulation changed. > > > > "Regulating convergence, finding solutions to > > foster creativity and answering consumer fears > > about identity theft, fraud and the invasion > > of their privacy were central questions at the > > recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation > > and Development (OECD) ministerial meeting in > > Seoul, Korea." > > > > Regulators future simplified to concentration > > on increasing competition,consumer protection;) > > > > The “Seoul Declaration” signed by 39 governments > > and the European Union on 18 June was announced > > as a “roadmap for the future of the internet > > economy. The conference was held on 17-18 June. > > > > > <http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/49/28/40839436.pdf> > > > > Civil Society background paper "Fueling > Creativity, > > Ensuring Consumer and Privacy Protection, Building > > Confidence and Benefiting from Convergence." > > > <http://thepublicvoice.org/events/seoul08/cs-paper.pdf> > > > > Skunkworks may not be a "Registered > Association" but > > you bet it's value to us is 10x all others > combined. > > > > Looking back, one sees little, if any, consumer value > > proposition from most of already existing > associations, > > except their vocalness advancing "members > interests" > > > > regards, > > > > > > --- On Mon, 7/7/08, Harry Hare > <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: > > > >> From: Harry Hare > <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Legislation and Regulation > for e-Commerce > >> in Kenya > >> To: alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com > >> Cc: secretariat(a)kif.or.ke, "'KICTAnet ICT > Policy Discussions'" > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> > > >> Date: Monday, July 7, 2008, 2:18 PM > >> Dear all, > >> > >> IMHO in this day and age we should not be talking > about > >> "regulation" or > >> "regulating" anything, this is concept > that

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FW: Advert - KIPPRA Economists
by Edith Adera 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

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E-Files management Tool
by wesley kiriinya 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

Ladies, Gentlemen and Geeks, There is a tool which I think might be very useful in many organizations when it comes to file management. It's called SVN which stands for SubVersioN. Probably some people in the list may already be using it or have heard about it. What is it? SVN was initially created to assist software developers manage their source code files. So it is popularly used in small to large scale software development environments and software repositories. It can also be used to manage ordinary electronic files. It's comes with an easy to use Windows application called TortoiseSVN. It's also available for Linux, Unix family of operating systems, etc. What does it do? Have you been in a situtation where: 1. More than 1 person can access a file in a server, make changes to it and save it back, then there is a conflict between changes made by different people and that conflict has to be resolved cleanly? 2. A person makes a change to a file, saves it and overwrites the original version, then latter the person finds out that s/he needs the original? 3. You are fed up with backing up files by making copies? Not only is it tedious but also becomes disorganized as the files increase and leads to using large amounts of disk space (If a paragraph in a 100 page document is edited, and one still needs the original then a new copy of the edited document has to be saved). SVN keeps track of document changes, including changes to folders. So what's the big deal? SVN alerts anyone sharing a document when there is a conflict between the copy they want to save and the one that is already in the server. This conflict can arise when someone opened the same document, made changes and saved it back without the first person knowing about it. So the first person will be presented with a screen showing the changes made and s/he can merge his/her changes with what the second person did. SVN will keep track of document changes by doing a difference analysis on the documents and storing this difference only, instead of a new document. Another great feature is the ability to look at historical versions of the document. All in all SVN gives you a great way to manage your files be they document, images, etc. Where can I find it (or where can I start)? http://tortoisesvn.tigris.org/ Security SVN supports SSH and SSL for secure file transfers. You can also restict access to folders and files. Extentions If one is building software that requires the SVN functionality to manage the software's content then it can be integrated with SVN. For example: In government you have different departments that might need to fill out certain parts of a form for an individual. A software system might assist in filling out the form e.g. getting the required fields from a database. If all these departments are working on different parts of the form at the same time and they save, the software can use SVN to merge the entire document into 1 result, and highlight to the relevant departments where a conflict in entries exist. It might take some days to get it up and running, but the savings in terms of time, money and more importantly peace of mind are well worth it! And yeah it's free. B~)

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Open position at AfriNIC
by Brian Munyao Longwe 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

FYI - apologies for cross-posting Begin forwarded message: > From: "Kiran Cunniah" <kiran(a)afrinic.net> > Date: July 7, 2008 11:08:07 AM GMT+03:00 > To: <announce(a)afrinic.net> > Subject: [AfriNIC-announce] Open position at AfriNIC > > Dear Colleagues, > > We wish to inform that AfriNIC has a vacancy for the position of > SENIOR > SOFTWARE ENGINEER. This post will be based at our headquarters in > Mauritius. > > More details are available at http://www.afrinic.net/job/job.htm > > For any further queries, do not hesitate to contact us on > jobs(a)afrinic.net. > > Kind Regards, > > Kiran Cunniah > Executive Assistant > AfriNIC > www.afrinic.net > > > Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.486 / Virus Database: 269.16.13/1165 - Release Date: > 02/12/2007 > 20:34 > > > _______________________________________________ > announce mailing list > announce(a)afrinic.net > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/announce >

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Free Culture (was Re: eBay hit with £30m fine for sales of fake luxuries)
by Brian Longwe 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

Hi all, I've made a small change in the subject because now we are talking about much more than just Ebay and looking at *Principles*, *values* and a number of other intangibles (yes, Alex including Intellectual Property). In 1999, David Pogue said: "Unlike actual law, Internet software has no capacity to punish. It doesn't affect people who aren't onlin (and on a tiny minority of the world population is). And if you don't like the Internet's system, you can always flip off the modem. Prof. Lawrence Lessig - another renown author - challenges this point of view and asserts that today the battles that rage online dearly affect "people who aren't online". He says that there is no swith that will insulate us from the Internet's effect. He then proceeds to elaborate on what he calls a "Free Culture" and I quote: ...we come from a tradition of 'free culture' .... A free culture supports and protects creators and innovators. It does this directly by granting intellectual property rights. But it does so indirectly by limiting the reach of those rights, to guarantee that follow-on creators and innovators remain *as free* *as possible* from the control of the past. A free culture is not a culture without property.it is not a culture in which artists don't get paid...a free culture, like a free market, is filled with property. It is filled with rules of property and contract that get enforced by the state. But just as a free market is perverted if its property becomes feudal, so too can a free culture be queered by extremism in the property rights that define it. In my view, the incidents and circumstances surrounding the ebay saga are evidence that extremism is beginning to show, and that those who can afford it are manipulating the 'system' to protect themselves and their property regardless of the fact/extent that they are infringing on the rights of the *individual consumer* - who is largely innocent. Regards, Brian On Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:17 PM, Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > --- On Mon, 7/7/08, Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > From: Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> > > > So, I still come back to my earlier point. If I want to > > sell my Toyota > > AE-100 - I have a right to 'identify' it using the > > brand (though the > > brand does not in itself belong to me) - but I have a > > 'transient' > > ownership as far as it relates to 'my' toyota. > > People even refer to it > > as Bryo's toyota. Of course once it is sold, it now > > belongs to someone > > else. > > > > July 7, 2008. Intellectual Property Regime Stifles Science and Innovation, > Nobel Laureates Say > > By Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch MANCHESTER, UK - The > basic framework of the intellectual property (IP) regime aims to "close down > access to knowledge" rather than allowing its dissemination, Professor > Joseph Stiglitz said at a 5 July lecture on "Who Owns Science?" Stiglitz, a > 2001 Nobel Laureate in Economics, and Professor John Sulston, a 2002 Nobel > Laureate in Physiology/Medicine, launched Manchester University's new > Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation. Both were highly critical of > today's patent system, saying it stifles science and innovation. > > Link to the article: <http://www.ip-watch.org/weblog/index.php?p=1129> > > > > -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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test
by Brian Munyao Longwe 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

is this list working?

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eBay hit with £30m fine for sales of fake luxuries
by alice 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

Hi all, interesting ruling by French courts on 30th June....of E-commerce and brand protection, advertisement consumer protection and so many other issues. best alice http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jul/01/ebay.hitechcrime eBay hit with £30m fine for sales of fake luxuries The world's biggest online auctioneer, eBay, was ordered by a French court yesterday to pay €38.6m euros in damages to the luxury goods group LVMH for negligence in allowing the sale of fake bags, lipsticks and designer clothes. The fine of more than £30m is the biggest eBay has faced in Europe and is the latest episode in a series of long-running legal battles it has fought with fashion and cosmetic giants. The site immediately appealed against the ruling and said luxury goods giants were using the issue of fakes as a "stalking horse" to attack online commerce and keep a stranglehold of sales outlets to the detriment of consumers. The confrontation has implications for the access of online shoppers to luxury brands through auction sites and also for eBay's business model as it faces the issue of how to police its platform of global sites, which at any one time have about 100m items for sale across the world. The issue has particular resonance in France - the base for some of the world's biggest luxury goods companies, who have placed themselves at the forefront of fighting counterfeit. The French company LVMH, the world's leading luxury brand, went to the Paris commercial courts demanding €50m in damages over two issues: first it argued that eBay had committed "serious errors" by not doing enough to prevent the sales of fake goods in 2006, including Louis Vuitton bags and Christian Dior products; it also argued that eBay had allowed unauthorised sales of perfume brands owned by the group: Christian Dior, Kenzo, Givenchy and Guerlain. It said that even if the perfumes were real and not fake, their sale on the site violated Christian Dior's distribution network which only allowed sales through specialist dealers. The court ordered eBay to stop selling the perfumes or running ads for the brands, or face a fine of €50,000 a day. The ruling ordered eBay to pay €19.28m to Louis Vuitton Malletier and €17.3m to its sister company Christian Dior Couture for damage to their brand images and causing moral harm. It must also pay €3.25m to the four perfume brands for sales in violation of its authorised network. Pierre Gode, an aide to Bernard Arnault, the LVMH president and France's richest man, told AFP: "It is a major first, because of the principles that it recognises and the amount sought." He said the decision was crucial for the creative industry and "protected brands by considering them an important part of French heritage". The ruling comes a month after another French court ordered eBay to pay the fashion house Hermes €20,000 for allowing the sale of counterfeit handbags. The site said it had stepped up its measures to prevent counterfeiting since 2006 and now spends $20m (£10m) a year keeping the site "clean", using programmes to analyse suspicious sales and working with the owners of brand rights. Last year, 2m items suspected of being counterfeit were removed from the site and 50,000 sales stopped. Vanessa Canzini, an eBay spokeswoman in Europe said: "The big issue here doesn't seem to be to do with counterfeiting - if it was, they would have gone after the counterfeiters. It's about saying we are a luxury brand, we don't want others selling our goods, even if they are real. That's why we will appeal this decision." In a statement, eBay said big luxury goods labels had a hidden agenda and were using fakes as a "stalking horse". "It is clear that eBay has become a focal point for certain brand owners' desire to exact ever greater control over e-commerce. We view these decisions as a step backwards for the consumers and businesses whom we empower every day." The group, which saw around $60bn worth of goods sold across its platforms last year, says that as a host for independent vendors, it has a limited responsibility and capacity to regulate what is sold. But luxury goods groups have accused eBay, which earns a commission on sales, of facilitating forgeries and fakes by providing a marketplace for vendors who knowingly sell counterfeit items. The site is also facing other lawsuits worldwide: the New York jeweller Tiffany & Co has sued the site for turning a blind eye to sales of counterfeits, describing it as a "rat's nest" of fake goods. It also faces action from L'Oreal in the UK and five other European countries.

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E-Files management Tool
by smwangi＠kencall.com 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

Can I get more information on this subject matter. Thank you Stephen Mwangi IS/AD Manager Kencall EPZ Ltd (O) 254-6602000 (D)020-2387010 (C) 254-733226793 -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Subj: kictanet Digest, Vol 14, Issue 16 Date: Mon 7 Jul 2008 9:27 am Size: 1K To: Stephen Mwangi <smwangi(a)kencall.com> Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke You can reach the person managing the list at kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya (Gakuru , Alex) 2. Fwd: [afnog] Google launches official blog for Africa (Dorcas Muthoni) 3. E-Files management Tool (wesley kiriinya) 4. Re: eBay hit with ?30m fine for sales of fake luxuries (Sylvester Kisonzo) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 19:36:14 +0300 From: "Gakuru , Alex" <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya To: "Marcel Werner" <marcelcwerner(a)gmail.com> Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Message-ID: <1981f3fd0807060936s27390b95tb1ae167bfab5e554(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 On Sun, Jul 6, 2008 at 5:43 PM, Marcel Werner <marcelcwerner(a)gmail.com> wrote: > KIF has studied drafts currently circulating in the public domain, the > Information and Communications Bill, 2008, Where did you get this one from? I've sought a copy from the Ministry --- message truncated --- -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Fwd: [afnog] Google launches official blog for Africa
by Dorcas Muthoni 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

FYI ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Divon Lan <divon(a)google.com> Date: Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 12:46 PM Subject: [afnog] Google launches official blog for Africa To: afnog(a)afnog.org Greetings, I thought it might be worth while letting you know that we (Google) launched our official blog for Sub Saharan Africa this week. You can view it here: http://google-africa.blogspot.com We have also launched a new discussion forum open to all, for discussing topics related to Google and the Internet in Africa: http://groups.google.com/group/google-africa-community I hope you find these useful and interesting. Divon Lan Product Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google _______________________________________________ afnog mailing list http://afnog.org/mailman/listinfo/afnog -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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[Fwd: Kenya Diaspora Roadshow - Sep 2008 - Call for Participation]
by alice 05 Jul '08

05 Jul '08

Following our successful tour of Silicon Valley in September 2007, ICTvillage.com is organizing the Kenya Diaspora Roadshow in September 2008 to engage with Kenyans living and working abroad. We shall visit the following cities to meet with Kenyans in the Diaspora: * London - Sunday 31 Aug to Tuesday 2 Sep; * New York - Thursday 4 Sep to Saturday 6 Sep; * Chicago - Tuesday 9 Sep to Thursday 11 Sep; * Los Angeles - Sunday 14 Sep to Tuesday 16 Sep; * Atlanta - Thursday 18 Sep to Saturday 20 Sep. The Kenyan diaspora remits over US$ 2 billion to Kenya every year through formal and informal channels making remittances the largest source of external capital. Through these remittances, our diaspora contribute to national development in the following ways: * supporting relatives and friends all over the country; * purchasing Kenyan products and services; * building residential and commercial property; * investing in capital markets and enterprises; * philanthropy and other social contributions; * promoting tourism and Kenyan culture. We invite organizations in Government, public, private and civil society sectors to participate in the Kenya Diaspora Roadshow to (1) establish relationships with Kenyans abroad; (2) showcase products and services; (3) boost online interactions and transactions. If your organization is interested in participating in this Roadshow, please contact the undersigned for more information. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to radically transform Kenya's economy, society and politics. We look forward to your favorable response! Best Regards, Njoki Mumira, Tour Coordinator. www.ictvillage.com <http://www.ictvillage.com/> Idea Factory Limited, The Office Park, Riverside Drive, P.O Box 12 - 00606, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: 254-20-444 9277, 254-20-444 7655, Fax: 254-20-444 9210.

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[Fwd: "Criticism in Leadership (Passive, Active and Self), July 16th Leadership Forum]
by alice 05 Jul '08

05 Jul '08

A good workshop to attend in view of the last "e-fracases...slight e-flare ups" best alice *‘Criticism in Leadership** -** Passive, Active and Self’* *Criticism that works. What is its place in personal development and leadership?* · * When and how to give* · * Receiving* · * Applying it to self –self criticism* *‘The best criticism doesn't trap an employee or child in a dead end. It gives them an escape route’. – Source Unknown* *The British Council Leadership Forum invites you: * * ** ** Date:* Wednesday 16^th July 2008 *Presenter:* * Mr* Wafula Nabutola–*/ Chairman NCBDA/* /Nabutola is a land and environmental economist with over 20 years progressive experience in general management operations, investment appraisals, banking, wildlife conservation and supervision of real estate projects and programmes in the private and public sectors. He also has an extensive experience in project management, market analysis, corporate governance, quality customer care, budgeting & financial planning, strategic planning and change management. / *Venue:* The Stanley Hotel- Ball Room *Time:* * 6.00pm to 8.00pm* *Charges:* Leadership Forum members – Free Non-Leadership Forum Members – Kshs 3,000 membership or Kshs 500 per session Please confirm your attendance by Tuesday 15^th July to facilitate planning. Please visit the Leadership Forum blog _http://britishcouncilkenyalead.blogspot.com/_ for the June presentation. Attached is Nabutola’s bio data. <<Nabutola'S Bio data.doc>> Regards, *Linet Otibine* Projects & Communications Officer British Council | PO Box 40751, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Phone +254 (0)20 2836000 (Pilot) Fax +254 (0)20 2836500 */Organisational change for less than you think./* _www.britishcouncil.org/africa_ <http://www.britishcouncil.org/africa> This message is for the use of the intended recipient(s) only. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete it. The British Council accepts no liability for loss or damage caused by software viruses and you are advised to carry out a virus check on any attachments contained in this message. The British Council is a registered charity 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland). Our purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK and other countries and to increase appreciation of the UK's creative ideas and achievements.

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Veronica Njoki, Program Officer you would like to hire.
by I Love ICT 05 Jul '08

05 Jul '08

Hello good people, I would like to share with you the profile of someone I have worked with before and whose capabilities I can voucher anytime. She is on her final days of employment as her project is ending, project funding is ceasing. She is Veronicah Njoki. Please find her CV attached. Should you need a dynamic, dependable, result-oriented and professional Progam Officer, you may want to hire her. I know she should have sent this herself but I have confidence in her to do it on her behalf. Best regards, Athanas ~~~ ICT Programs Coordinator Education Development Center Inc. (www.edc.org) Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instruction Project (www.ssiri.org) Maridi, Southern Sudan +256477153505 | +249122705303 | +8821667900954 amwamba(a)edc-ssiri.org | athanas_mwamba(a)yahoo.co.uk +254722826562 (Kenyan mobile) [Skype: athanasmwamba] [MSN: jiwek] [Google talk: iloveict] "Luck is when Opportunity meets Readiness"

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Check out the World eBook Fair!!!]
by alice 04 Jul '08

04 Jul '08

A Million Plus Books Free for the Taking! July 4 2008 The Third Annual World eBook Fair Starts July 4th. "Own Your Own Library" is the theme of this year's World eBook Fair. Starting July 4th you will be able to do just that in an unprecedented opportunity to download books in the widest variety ever available. Visit www.worldebookfair.org <http://www.worldebookfair.org> to get started. Project Gutenberg and partner sponsors encourage readers to create the "personal library" of their choice in a "personal computer." Most of the fair's electronic books are free of charge, and an additional 160,000 or more have coupon or discount purchases available during the month. All possible types of electronic books, or eBooks, are available: eBooks in over 100 Different Languages! eBooks designed for cell phones! eBooks designed for Adobe readers! eBooks designed for plain text readers! eBooks out loud in theatrical performances! eBooks that your computer can read aloud to you! eBooks that can be easily quoted in school papers! 160,000 eBooks in brand new commercial editions!!! Music, movies, etc. are also included. . . . Highlights of the World eBook Fair Just two years ago The First World eBook Fair came on the scene with about 1/3 million books, doubled to 2/3 million in 2007, and now over one million. Created by contributions from 100+ eLibraries from around the world, here are the largest collections As of press date of midnight Central Daylight Time July 1, 2008 these were the approximate numbers: ~100,000+ from Project Gutenberg ~500,000+ from The World Public Library ~450,000 from The Internet Archive ~160,000 from eBooks About Everything ---------- ~1,210,000+ Grand Total as of July 1, 2008 The Internet Archive will add about 1,000 books on each business day, along with various additions by the other contributors during World eBook Fair. Thus the final grand total may be over 1,230,000 Contact information: If you have any questions, or seek further materials, an interview or would like to confirm the schedule or contents please feel free to contact any of the following: Michael S. Hart Founder, Project Gutenberg 405 W. Elm, Urbana, IL 61801 hart(a)pglaf.org <mailto:[email protected]> hart(a)pobox.com <mailto:[email protected]> US Phone 217-344-6623 Cellphone 808-295-0615 Gregory B. Newby CEO, Project Gutenberg gbnewby(a)pglaf.org <mailto:[email protected]> US Phone 907-450-8663 http://www.gutenberg.org John Guagliardo Founder, World Public Library Honolulu, Hawaii john(a)gutenberg.cc US Phone 808-292-2068 http://www.worldpubliclibrary.org Catherine Hodge eBooks About Everything info(a)ebooksabouteverything.com <mailto:[email protected]> US Phone 760-327-5100 http://ebooksabouteverything.com The Internet Archive http://www.archive.org/details/texts -- FN * Independent Journalist http://fn.goa-india.org Ph +91-832-2409490 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Goa http://www.linkedin.com/in/fredericknoronha ======================================= APC Forum is a meeting place for the APC community - people and institutions who are or have been involved in collaboration with APC, and share the APC vision - a world in which all people have easy, equal and affordable access to the creative potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives and create more democratic and egalitarian societies. _______________________________________________ apc.forum mailing list apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

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Google launches official blog for Africa
by Divon Lan 04 Jul '08

04 Jul '08

Greetings, I thought it might be worth while letting you know that we (Google) launched our official blog for Sub Saharan Africa today. You can view it here: http://google-africa.blogspot.com I hope you find it useful and interesting. Divon Lan Product Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google

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This is a test - please ignore
by Joseph Manthi 04 Jul '08

04 Jul '08

-- Joseph Manthi CEO MEO Ltd http://www.meoltd.com

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Conference on E-Commerce & Internet Security @ KICC
by Brian Longwe 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

FYI - apologies for cross-posting --------------------------- THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-COMMERCE AND INTERNET SECURITY IN EAST AFRICA VENUE: KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, NAIROBI DATE: 13TH-15TH AUGUST 2008 Dear Partner, RE: THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-COMMERCE AND INTERNET SECURITY IN EAST AFRICA Information and Communication Technology has been recognised as the engine of development all over the world. ICT sector provides endless opportunities for Africa and its growth in East Africa provides even greater benefits. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) may arguably be the most powerful tool for social and economic development. E-commerce has been the centre of debate in business management in the 21st Century across the globe. The pressure for businesses in Africa to go online like most developed nations could be attributed to large multinational corporations, who integrate the internet into their operations; as such suppressing buyers and suppliers located in developing countries, to adapt to the new business models. With the marketplace becoming increasingly global, many companies have come to a realization that it takes more than high quality, affordable prices and differentiation to excel in today's highly competitive multinational market place. E-commerce in the United States of America has flourished owing to several pre-existing conditions: along history of catalogue marketing that has helped the fast acceptance of virtual transactions, a high rate of internet penetration, a mature credit payment system and the presence of efficient delivery services. It is very significant that businesses in East Africa realize they have much to gain from embracing e-commerce in their marketing strategies. The payoffs are tremendous; penetration rate estimated currently at over 470 million people, reducing processing costs by up to 90%, reducing cycle time by up to 80% and improving staff productivity between 20% and 300%. The solution for Kenyan products and services to penetrate the global market lies in developing "e-markets", electronic meeting places for buyers and sellers with defined rules for e-purchasing, e-bidding and e-selling". It is a question of acting small but being big. Kenyan and East African companies have no choice but to deploy internet technologies to remain competitive. However, African government needs to take a proactive role in developing a robust, flexible regulatory framework for e-commerce. It is equally important to ensure effective coordination of government agencies, industry association and other facilitators. It is important that a stable physical and virtual infrastructure of trust - shared by all concerned parties, public authorities, local and foreign entrepreneurs, financial services, providers and customers - be equally enhanced. It is very significant that businesses realize that they have much to gain from embracing e-commerce in their strategies Development sector and commercial enterprises in Africa and all over the world however, have to grapple with serious challenges arising from the massive computer application insecurities such as stolen data, viruses, hackers, spam mail, government monitoring and privacy invasion among other threats. These threats are not only expensive to an organization in its efforts to deliver effective and efficient services to its clients but is time wasting and potentially destructive to organizations. Purple Images Productions proposes to organize the first conference to promote e-commerce as a tool of business and national development in the region. The main objective of the conference will be to create national forum to review and evaluate ICT development in organizations in relation to the internet and general computer security threats and challenges globally and in the region. Conference Presentation Topics: E-Commerce * The Challenges of Connectivity in Africa * The impact of Cultures on e-business * E-Commerce and youth employment * Web marketing challenges and opportunities * Business Process Outsourcing : The Challenges and Opportunities * Management Challenges facing E-businesses in East Africa * Marketing issues facing E-businesses in East Africa Computer and Internet Security · Website security : opportunities and challenges · E-Commerce Business Management and Marketing Security and Risk Management challenges * E-government, E-commerce, E-learning and E-banking Security: Emerging Threats and Technology Trends · Computer and Internet Crimes; The need for Legislation and Compliance · Business Process Outsourcing Opportunities , Challenges and Security Threats · E-commerce Security Policies , Alignment of Business and IT Security Efforts and intellectual property rights protection * In house security threats to business, database security, forensics, identification and authentication, intrusion detection INTERNET SECURITY & E-COMMERCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The following are the categories for the awards dinner ceremony: * The Most Successful E-Commerce Company in East Africa * The Most Promising Young Person in E-Business of the Year * The Most Innovative E-Commerce Achievement for the Year * The E-Commerce Woman of the Year * The ICT Manufacturer of the Year * E-Tourism Business of the Year * Computer Security Software Development Award of the Year * Business Process Outsourcing Company Award of the Year * Computer and Internet Security Business Leader of the Year (To be nominated for awards, send a profile of your e-commerce business on showing the successes of your business to: info@purpleimages. com) Booking and Conference Costs • Delegates to pay Kshs. 16,000 ($ 250) per person. The fee will cater for meals and materials. Delegates must also meet the costs of their travel and accommodation in Kenya . To be part of this great event, please register by completing the conference application form. Payment of the participation fee stipulated above is required to guarantee a slot in the limited places available. This fee covers lunches, teas & conference materials. Registration of delegates and the stakeholders is in process. There is a technical committee to receive and review abstract papers from the presenters and workshop facilitators. After reviewing the abstract papers on the different themes of the conference, the final list of the facilitators and delegates will be sent out alongside the final conference programme. Ms. Mercy Kariuki The Conference Coordinator The 1st International Conference on E-Commerce and Internet Security in East Africa Mbuchia House, 3rd Flr, West Wing, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya P.O BOX 58182 - 00200 Nairobi Telephone: 254-20-4450937/ 4452674 Cell: 254-720-425175/ 722 634947 Email: purplemedia2000@ yahoo.com or info@purpleimages. com Email: www.purpleimages. com -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Fw: Google Groups: You've been added to KAZI AFRIKA
by Alex Gakuru 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

This is the probably the third time I am asking to be unsubscribed to a list owners keep forcefully subscribing me to yet again . And out of conversations on kictanet. Niko na kazi mingi, sihitaji kuongezwa zingine tafadhali;) Walu please issue an advisory. --- On Thu, 7/3/08, noreply(a)googlegroups.com <noreply(a)googlegroups.com> wrote: > From: noreply(a)googlegroups.com <noreply(a)googlegroups.com> > Subject: Google Groups: You've been added to KAZI AFRIKA > To: alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com > Date: Thursday, July 3, 2008, 2:47 AM > matengo marymatengo(a)gmail.com has added you to the KAZI > AFRIKA group with > this message: > > welcome to the biggest list of African intellectuals > > Here is the group's description: > > Karibu KaziAfrika groups. This is a group which is surely > interested in > posting vacancies for members. Please feel free to send > your jobs,cvs, career > tips and anything related to the work environment to > kaziafrika@googlegroups. > com. > > ----------------------- Google Groups Information > ---------------------- > > The owner of the group has set your subscription type as > "Email", meaning that > you'll receive a copy of every message posted to the > group as they are posted. > > > To view this group on the web, or edit your subscription, > you will need to > create a Google Account by going to: > > http://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?service=groups2&reqemail=alex.gak… > > Visit this group on the web by using this URL: > > http://groups.google.com/group/kaziafrika?hl=en > > You can unsubscribe from this group using the following > URL: > > http://groups.google.com/group/kaziafrika/unsub?u=xYimwggAAAC5fW2PEscwK2lHF… > > -------------------- Information About This Message > -------------------- > > If you feel that this message is abuse, please inform the > Google Groups staff > by using the URL below. > http://groups.google.com/groups/abuse?direct=YQAAAAAANMZOAAAAAAb9l40AAAAAB0…

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Lets stick to the ICT Policy Agenda
by John Walubengo 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

A member whose address is disguised since the mail was private has challenged me on why I seem to be protecting 'thieves'. I sought to clear the air by saying that if you reviewed my first paragraph, you will realise that I did NOT deny that we have corrupt operators in our ICT industry (after all we are officially ranked by Transparency International amongst top 5 corrupt nations in Africa/World?). And neither am i protecting anyone for that matter. My thinking was simply that KICTAnet may miss its objective by attempting to un-ravel scandals that we are paying other people to un-ravel. In other words I dont think it should be our core business as a community and we may not be as effective on scandals as when we focus on ICT Policy and its implementation. Finally, I did not block discussion on corruption in ICT per se, but just thought care must be taken to avoid a full-blown, mud-slinging, self-defeating, electronic mob-justice episodes that results in collateral damage (i.e. the disintegration of an ICT Platform for exchanging useful ideas). I simply put some conditions for discussing such sensitive issuess by saying that they should be based on conclusive evidence and should add value in terms suggesting what governance/policy interventions can be put in place to avoid recurrence. This is the best practice and you can benchmark with the BBC blogging rules http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/4176520.stm walu. --- On Thu, 7/3/08, <xyz(a)xxx.com> wrote: > From: <xyz(a)xxx.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Lets stick to the ICT Policy Agenda > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Date: Thursday, July 3, 2008, 12:16 PM > Why do you protect thieves > Sent from my xxxx

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Fwd: Bulk of KenyanWealth Owned by Foreigners
by wainaina.mungai＠gmail.com 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: wainaina.mungai(a)gmail.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2008 12:22:00 +0300 Subject: Bulk of KenyanWealth Owned by Foreigners To: kictanet(a)kictanet.org Kudos John/Moderator.. I suggest the next time a member opts to digress towards shadow boxing and unsubstantiated insinuations, a 2 week suspension may be a good prescription. We seem to have forgotten our common enemy......that is, inadequate ICT policies, laws and action plans... have a moderated day ;-) Wainaina -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-3590451 Cel: +254-722-811171 Cel: +254-735-370840 www.madeinkenya.org www.bungesms.com www.pamonet.org -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-3590451 Cel: +254-722-811171 Cel: +254-735-370840 www.madeinkenya.org www.bungesms.com www.pamonet.org

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Muthoni wins prestigious international award award that honours technical women
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

Congratulations Dorcas...we are proud of you! More details below. best alice ----------------- The Anita Borg Change Agent Awards honor technical women that live and work outside the United States. They are change agents in their community - working to attract and support women in technology in their region. Recipients are recognized for their technical leadership and advocacy work. http://www.anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/ -------------- Dear Dorcas, Congratulations! In recognition of your commitment to bringing attention to the issues of women in computing in Kenya, we am pleased to inform you that you have been awarded an Anita Borg Change Agent Award. We recognize your work as a change agent, and we would like you to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing Conference. As a highly respected scientist who is dedicated to addressing the challenges of advancing a complex society as Kenya, and holding the position of Founder and Managing Director of OPENWORLD Ltd., you truly are a pioneer. It is our hope that your participation in the Grace Hopper Celebration will help bridge women technologists in the United States and abroad. _______________________________________________

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E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa?
by Brian Longwe 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa? As pointed out by White African in his blog, there are lots of ideas flying around regarding payment solutions that can both fit and function according to the needs of the broader African populace. Top amongst these is the opportunity (or should we call it challenge) that mobile telephony offers. It has been well documented by the ITU that mobile telephony in Africa is growing faster than in any other part of the world. This is supported by World Bank reports that "The African mobile market has been the fastest-growing market of all regions, expanding at twice the rate of the global market." There is therefore every reason to see mobile telephony as an avenue towards delivery of financial services to the largely unbanked population of Africa. White African very elaborately says that "What we need is a carrier and bank agnostic ecommerce platform for Africa." This is further borne out in his discourse on the benefits of such a platform and the potential risks associated with current models that are tied to a single network operator. A couple of years ago during a period of much reflection on the same subject I came across a company that has implemented such a system in South Africa. Wizzit - mobile banking in South Africa Wizzit - is the name of the South African service that provides a cellphone based banking and transaction system. The company deliberately kept a low profile during it's early days to avoid been stonewalled by the larger banks in South Africa and instead developed it's product in partnership with a small bank that had enough flexibility and innovation to support the development of the product. The most significant aspect of Wizzit is that it works across all networks i.e. it is not linked or tied to any of the mobile operators - any subscriber with any network can sign up and use the service by simply purchasing a 'starter pack' for the equivalent of Kshs 60 (US$ 1) at any filling station convenience store or major supermarket. Employing the Unemployed Another very cool aspect of Wizzit's intervention is that instead of going the conventional route and hiring a sharp and savvy team of marketers and sales people, they created something called Wizz-Kids and invited unemployed youth; trained them, suited them up in very cool, branded gear and sent them out into the townships, rural areas and nether regions of the country to sign up customers. The initial team of close to 1,000 kids brought in over 10,000 accounts and in excess of 100,000 transactions within the system within the first couple of months. Since it's launch in 2004 Wizzit has provided thousands upon thousands of South African youth with employment. Banking the Unbanked Users don't have to have a bank account, but get a Maestro Debit card with the starter pack, which is linked to their Wizzit account which they can load up with money at any of thousands of agents, post offices and bank branches across the country. Once an account is loaded they can make person to person payments or transfer money to any other Wizzit user or merchant, load up airtime and pay for utilities. For those who need cash, a network of 'cash back' outlets at post offices and major supermarkets countrywide is available. What about the rest of Africa? Wizzit's innovation has had an incredible impact in South Africa but unfortunately has not been 'exportable', 'transferable' or capable of replication in countries outside of South Africa. In 2005 I made a number of efforts to engage with Wizzit guys and discuss the possibility of bringing the brand and model to Kenya. Unfortunately the fees and percentages that came out of these discussions were unbearable (or to be more precise commercially unviable). And for whatever reason, no one in other countries seems to have been able to put together a similar package of partnerships, agreements, legal loopholes to allow delivery of a similar model (at least none that I know of) So, what can we do about getting something like this going in other parts? [Brian blogs on venture capital, startups, investment, technology and trends at: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com] -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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E-Commerce/M-Commerce - which way for Africa?
by Brian Longwe 02 Jul '08

02 Jul '08

E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa?<http://mashilingi.blogspot.com/2008/07/e-commercem-commerce-which-way-for.h…> As pointed out by White African <http://whiteafrican.com/> in his blog, there are lots of ideas flying around regarding payment solutions that can both fit and function according to the needs of the broader African populace. Top amongst these is the opportunity (or should we call it challenge) that mobile telephony offers. It has been well documented by the ITU that mobile telephony in Africa is growing faster than in any other part of the world. This is supported by World Bank reports that "The African mobile market has been the fastest-growing market of all regions, expanding at twice the rate of the global market." [full article at http://mashilingi.blogspot.com] -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Job ICT Manager -- Deadline 4 July
by Catherine Adeya 01 Jul '08

01 Jul '08

Sorry if you have already seen this but it is important for those who have not as I am aware there are many who are searching. Every opportunity must be grasped. Thanks Nyaki ----- Original Message ---- ICT MANAGER POSITION JOB TITLE: ICT Manager JOB CODE: PR/DC/ICTM/608 DEPARTMENT: ICT REPORTS TO: Managing Director LOCATION: Nairobi CLOSING DATE: July 4, 2008 Summary Our client is a leading retail chain in East Africa and are looking for an innovative ICT Manager to manage the overall ICT function for efficient and effective service delivery in Nairobi, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. This position reports directly to the Managing Director and will require the individual to immediately take ownership and manage the implementation of a new ERP system. Primary Responsibilities · Identify and implement relevant programs and infrastructure for ICT applications for effective customer relationship management · Manage all communication and data transfer activities of the organization · Ensure appropriate backups, archiving and disaster preparedness procedures are adhered to · Generate reports as required by user departments · Evaluate and recommend suitable ICT equipment · Ensure timely systems licensing and documentation · Training users on ICT · Managing ICT staff performance and evaluations (1 ICT Administrator and 2 hardware and software support technicians) Basic Requirements · Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, ICT, Electrical /Electronics Engineering of recognized equivalent · Recognized industry certification in networking and systems administration · At least 3 years experience in a management position · Demonstrable leadership, professionalism, initiative and competence in organizing and directing work · Ease with both practical and strategic management orientations · At least 30 years of age Benefits · Medical · Group Life Insurance · Pension Contribution HOW TO APPLY If you have the above credentials, please apply attaching your current resume and quoting the job code on the subject line of your email or application. Email applications are preferable. The application should reach the following address by 4 July 2008. Personnel Resource Email: recruiter(a)personnelresource.org P.O. Box 856-00606 Nairobi, Kenya

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FW: Search for ERNWACA Regional Coordinator / Le ROCARE recherche un Coordonnateur régional
by Edith Adera 01 Jul '08

01 Jul '08

_____ From: ROCARE/ERNWACA [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 01 July 2008 10:16 To: Undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Search for ERNWACA Regional Coordinator / Le ROCARE recherche un Coordonnateur régional ANGLAIS Please circulate Search for ERNWACA Regional Coordinator, based in Bamako (Republic of Mali) The Educational Research Network for West and Central Africa (ERNWACA) is pleased to call for applications for the position of Regional Coordinator, based in Bamako, in the Republic of Mali. The deadline for receipt of applications is 14 August 2008. More information is available at the following internet addresses: Job Description: www.ernwaca.org/web/IMG/pdf_RC_Job_Desccription.pdf Call for Applications (in French): www.ernwaca.org/web/spip.php?article138 Call for Applications (in English): www.ernwaca.org/web/spip.php?article139 Please circulate this announcement to all those who may be interested and to appropriate electronic lists and webmasters. Do not hesitate to include it in institutional and other publications. _____ Veuillez faire circuler FRANCAIS Le ROCARE recherche un Coordonnateur régional, basé à Bamako (République du Mali) Le Réseau Ouest et Centre Africain de Recherche en Education (ROCARE) a le plaisir de lancer un appel à candidatures pour le poste de Coordonnateur régional, basé à Bamako, en République du Mali. La date limite de réception des candidatures est fixée pour le 14 août 2008. Plus d'informations sont disponibles aux adresses Internet suivantes: Description du poste: www.ernwaca.org/web/IMG/pdf_RC_Job_Desccription.pdf Appel à candidatures (en Français): www.ernwaca.org/web/spip.php?article138 Appel à candidatures (en Anglais): www.ernwaca.org/web/spip.php?article139 Veuillez faire parvenir cette annonce à tous ceux qui sont susceptibles dêtres intéressés par le poste , aux listes électroniques de diffusion et aux webmasters. N'hésitez pas à l'inclure dans les bulletins dinformation et autres publications de vos institutions respectives. Job description Vision of ERNWACA: Give an African face to African education. Mission: Promote African expertise and a culture of research to improve educational policy and practice. Regional Coordinator position, based in Bamako, Mali; start date is November 2008 Application deadline: 14 August 2008 Responsibilities * Develop and promote the vision and leadership of the network, * Develop, in a participatory way, the 2010-2016 strategic action plan in two budgetary cycles, in collaboration with network leaders and partners in member countries; * Coordinate implementation of the plan in ways that promote development of the national branches of ERNWACA and institutional development of the organization; * Assure the consolidation, expansion and deepening of the network and mechanisms for the decentralization of responsibilities for planning, action plan implementation, and monitoring; * Ensure an effective and coordinated communications strategy for the promotion of the network and use of its expertise and products in policymaking and in improving the quality of education in member countries; * Oversee transnational research projects and processes * Facilitate planning and organization of training workshops on research methodologies and writing, as well as seminars and conferences to share research findings and stimulate public and policy dialogue; * Consolidate existing partnerships and develop and maintain appropriate synergistic and mutually beneficial partnerships at the regional level, so as to broaden the networks influence in matters pertaining to the development of education; * Network with regional organizations, inter-governmental institutions, universities, research institutes, teacher training colleges and unions, foundations, development agencies, and other partners to implement and/or co-finance joint training, research, advocacy, and publication programs; * Raise funds and diversify sources of funding for the network to ensure greater autonomy of financial management as well as institutional sustainability, including through the Friends of ERNWACA giving program and the Endowment Fund campaign; * Support the national branches of the network to design, implement, monitor and evaluate their annual action plans, in collaboration with the national coordinating committees, and ensure respect of statutory obligations and responsibilities; * Support national network branches in strategic partnership development and resource mobilization in order to ensure greater autonomy of national branches; * Promote linkages among the networks different branches in member countries and facilitate communication and sharing of lessons learned and good practices among them; * Work with the networks scientific committees to ensure the quality of research and publication processes; * Work with the Board of Directors in ensuring healthy institutional development, including financial transparency and good governance at national and regional levels; * Regularly assess, evaluate and report on organizational capacity and performance; * Present annual technical and financial reports to the Board of Directors for approval; * Represent the network at regional and international meetings, with other network leaders and network members. Profile * Possess at least a maters degree or its equivalent, preferably a PhD and several scholarly publications; * Have a background in social science research, preferably with university linkages; * Have a least 5 years of documented and proven experience in the following areas: * management, networking, and institutional development; * communications, negotiation, and public relations; * partnership building and fundraising; * Able to mobilize and manage human and financial resources; * Innovative team player with excellent human relations skills; * Excellent use of French and English in written and oral communication; * Regular use of information and communication technologies for learning/teaching/training, research, and administration; * Resident/citizen of African country and familiar with educational development challenges and aspirations on the continent; * Able to travel at least 25% time. This is a full time position for three years, based in Bamako, Mali. Contract renewal is based on performance and the search for and renewal of complimentary funding. The coordinator will be employed by ERNWACA. ERNWACA looks forward to negotiating detachment from responsibilities at a national institution. To apply Please send by 14 August 2008 the following in a SINGLE message with ERNWACA plus your FULL NAME in the subject line to Raynal et Fadhika RH, Abidjan, at recrutement(a)rfrh.net and also to recrutement.rocare(a)ymail.com. 1/ Motivation letter 2/ CV 3/ three (3) letters of recommendation (obligatory), addressed to the President of the ERNWACA Board of Directors 4/ current earnings as well as salary expectations (obligatory) 5/ indication of institution in your country with video-conference facilities where pre-selection interview could take place All five (5) items are required and incomplete applications will not be considered. Qualified women candidates are encouraged to apply. Se désinscrire

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An extract of the adopted resolutions by the ICANN Board in Paris on Thursday 26 June 2008.
by alice wanjira 30 Jun '08

30 Jun '08

An extract of the adopted resolutions by the ICANN Board in Paris on Thursday 26 June 2008. http://www.icann.org/minutes/resolutions-26jun08.htm Approval of Minutes GNSO Recommendations on New gTLDs IDNC / IDN Fast-track GNSO Recommendation on Domain Tasting Approval of Operating Plan and Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Update on Draft Amendments to the Registrar Accreditation Agreement Approval of PIR Request to Implement DNSSEC in .ORG ICANN Board of Directors' Code of Conduct Ratification of Selection of Consultant to Conduct Independent Review of the Board Appointment of Independent Review Working Groups Update on Independent Reviews of ICANN Structures Board Committee Assignment Revisions Approval of BGC Recommendations on GNSO Improvements Receipt of Report of President's Strategy Committee Consultation Review of Paris Meeting Structure Board Response to Discussions Arising from Paris Meeting ICANN At-Large Summit Proposal Other Business Thanks to Steve Conte Thanks to Sponsors Thanks to Local Hosts, Staff, Scribes, Interpreters, Event Teams, and Others Approval of Minutes Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the minutes of the Board Meeting of 29 May 2008 are approved. <http://www.icann.org/minutes/prelim-report-29may08.htm> GNSO Recommendations on New gTLDs Whereas, the GNSO initiated a policy development process on the introduction of New gTLDs in December 2005. <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/> Whereas, the GNSO Committee on the Introduction of New gTLDs addressed a range of difficult technical, operational, legal, economic, and policy questions, and facilitated widespread participation and public comment throughout the process. Whereas, the GNSO successfully completed its policy development process on the Introduction of New gTLDs and on 7 September 2007, and achieved a Supermajority vote on its 19 policy recommendations. <http://gnso.icann.org/meetings/minutes-gnso-06sep07.shtml> Whereas, the Board instructed staff to review the GNSO recommendations and determine whether they were capable of implementation. Whereas, staff has engaged international technical, operational and legal expertise to provide counsel on details to support the implementation of the Policy recommendations and as a result, ICANN cross-functional teams have developed implementation details in support of the GNSO's policy recommendations, and have concluded that the recommendations are capable of implementation. Whereas, staff has provided regular updates to the community and the Board on the implementation plan. <http://icann.org/topics/new-gtld-program.htm> Whereas, consultation with the DNS technical community has led to the conclusion that there is not currently any evidence to support establishing a limit to how many TLDs can be inserted in the root based on technical stability concerns. <http://www.icann.org/topics/dns-stability-draft-paper-06feb08.pdf> Whereas, the Board recognizes that the process will need to be resilient to unforeseen circumstances. Whereas, the Board has listened to the concerns about the recommendations that have been raised by the community, and will continue to take into account the advice of ICANN's supporting organizations and advisory committees in the implementation plan. Resolved ( 2008.06.26.__ ), based on both the support of the community for New gTLDs and the advice of staff that the introduction of new gTLDs is capable of implementation, the Board adopts the GNSO policy recommendations for the introduction of new gTLDs <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/pdp-dec05-fr-parta-08aug07.htm>. Resolved ( 2008.06.26.__ ), the Board directs staff to continue to further develop and complete its detailed implementation plan, continue communication with the community on such work, and provide the Board with a final version of the implementation proposals for the board and community to approve before the new gTLD introduction process is launched. IDNC / IDN Fast-track Whereas, the ICANN Board recognizes that the "IDNC Working Group" developed, after extensive community comment, a final report on feasible methods for timely (fast-track) introduction of a limited number of IDN ccTLDs associated with ISO 3166-1 two-letter codes while an overall, long-term IDN ccTLD policy is under development by the ccNSO. Whereas, the IDNC Working Group has concluded its work and has submitted recommendations for the selection and delegation of "fast-track" IDN ccTLDs and, pursuant to its charter, has taken into account and was guided by consideration of the requirements to: Preserve the security and stability of the DNS; Comply with the IDNA protocols; Take input and advice from the technical community with respect to the implementation of IDNs; and Build on and maintain the current practices for the delegation of ccTLDs, which include the current IANA practices. Whereas, the IDNC Working Group's high-level recommendations require implementation planning. Whereas, ICANN is looking closely at interaction with the final IDN ccTLD PDP process and potential risks, and intends to implement IDN ccTLDs using a procedure that will be resilient to unforeseen circumstances. Whereas, staff will consider the full range of implementation issues related to the introduction of IDN ccTLDs associated with the ISO 3166-1 list, including means of promoting adherence to technical standards and mechanisms to cover the costs associated with IDN ccTLDs. Whereas, the Board intends that the timing of the process for the introduction of IDN ccTLDs should be aligned with the process for the introduction of New gTLDs. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board thanks the members of the IDNC WG for completing their chartered tasks in a timely manner. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board directs staff to: (1) post the IDNC WG final report for public comments; (2) commence work on implementation issues in consultation with relevant stakeholders; and (3) submit a detailed implementation report including a list of any outstanding issues to the Board in advance of the ICANN Cairo meeting in November2008 GNSO Recommendation on Domain Tasting Whereas, ICANN community stakeholders are increasingly concerned about domain tasting, which is the practice of using the add grace period (AGP) to register domain names in bulk in order to test their profitability. Whereas, on 17 April 2008, the GNSO Council approved, by a Supermajority vote, a motion to prohibit any gTLD operator that has implemented an AGP from offering a refund for any domain name deleted during the AGP that exceeds 10% of its net new registrations in that month, or fifty domain names, whichever is greater. <http://gnso.icann.org/meetings/minutes-gnso-17apr08.shtml> Whereas, on 25 April 2008, the GNSO Council forwarded its formal "Report to the ICANN Board - Recommendation for Domain Tasting" <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/domain-tasting/domain-tasting-board-report-gns…>, which outlines the full text of the motion and the full context and procedural history of this proceeding. Whereas, the Board is also considering the Proposed FY 09 Operating Plan and Budget <http://www.icann.org/financials/fiscal-30jun09.htm>, which includes (at the encouragement of the GNSO Council) a proposal similar to the GNSO policy recommendation to expand the applicability of the ICANN transaction fee in order to limit domain tasting. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board adopts the GNSO policy recommendation on domain tasting, and directs staff to implement the policy following appropriate comment and notice periods on the implementation documents. Approval of Operating Plan and Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Whereas, ICANN approved an update to the Strategic Plan in December 2007. <http://www.icann.org/strategic-plan/> Whereas, the Initial Operating Plan and Budget Framework for fiscal year 2009 was presented at the New Delhi ICANN meeting and was posted in February 2008 for community consultation. <http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-04feb08.htm> Whereas, community consultations were held to discuss and obtain feedback on the Initial Framework. Whereas, the draft FY09 Operating Plan and Budget was posted for public comment in accordance with the Bylaws on 17 May 2008 based upon the Initial Framework, community consultation, and consultations with the Board Finance Committee. A slightly revised version was posted on 23 May 2008. <http://www.icann.org/financials/fiscal-30jun09.htm> Whereas, ICANN has actively solicited community feedback and consultation with ICANN's constituencies. <http://forum.icann.org/lists/op-budget-fy2009/> Whereas, the ICANN Board Finance Committee has discussed, and guided staff on, the FY09 Operating Plan and Budget at each of its regularly scheduled monthly meetings. Whereas, the final FY09 Operating Plan and Budget was posted on 26 June 2008. <http://www.icann.org/en/financials/proposed-opplan-budget-v3-fy09-25jun08-e…> Whereas, the ICANN Board Finance Committee met in Paris on 22 June 2008 to discuss the FY09 Operating Plan and Budget, and recommended that the Board adopt the FY09 Operating Plan and Budget. Whereas, the President has advised that the FY09 Operating Plan and Budget reflects the work of staff and community to identify the plan of activities, the expected revenue, and resources necessary to be spent in fiscal year ending 30 June 2009. Whereas, continuing consultation on the budget has been conducted at ICANN's meeting in Paris, at constituency meetings, and during the public forum. Resolved (2008.06.26.___), the Board adopts the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Operating Plan and Budget. <http://www.icann.org/en/financials/proposed-opplan-budget-v3-fy09-25jun08-e…> Update on Draft Amendments to the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (For discussion only.) Approval of PIR Request to Implement DNSSEC in .ORG Whereas, Public Interest Registry has submitted a proposal to implement DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) in .ORG. <http://icann.org/registries/rsep/pir-request-03apr08.pdf> Whereas, staff has evaluated the .ORG DNSSEC proposal as a new registry service via the Registry Services Evaluation Policy <http://icann.org/registries/rsep/>, and the proposal included a requested amendment to Section 3.1(c)(i) of the .ORG Registry Agreement <http://icann.org/tlds/agreements/org/proposed-org-amendment-23apr08.pdf> which was posted for public comment along with the PIR proposal. Whereas, the evaluation under the threshold test of the Registry Services Evaluation Policy <http://icann.org/registries/rsep/rsep.html> found a likelihood of security and stability issues associated with the proposed implementation. The RSTEP Review Team considered the proposal and found that there was a risk of a meaningful adverse effect on security and stability, which could be effectively mitigated by policies, decisions and actions to which PIR has expressly committed in its proposal or could be reasonably required to commit. <http://icann.org/registries/rsep/rstep-report-pir-dnssec-04jun08.pdf> Whereas, the Chair of the SSAC has advised that RSTEP's thorough investigation of every issue that has been raised concerning the security and stability effects of DNSSEC deployment concludes that effective measures to deal with all of them can be taken by PIR, and that this conclusion after exhaustive review greatly increases the confidence with which DNSSEC deployment in .ORG can be undertaken. Whereas, PIR intends to implement DNSSEC only after extended testing and consultation. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), that PIR's proposal to implement DNSSEC in .ORG is approved, with the understanding that PIR will continue to cooperate and consult with ICANN on details of the implementation. The President and the General Counsel are authorized to enter the associated amendment to the .ORG Registry Agreement, and to take other actions as appropriate to enable the deployment of DNSSEC in .ORG. ICANN Board of Directors' Code of Conduct Whereas, the members of ICANN's Board of Directors are committed to maintaining a high standard of ethical conduct. Whereas, the Board Governance Committee has developed a Code of Conduct to provide the Board with guiding principles for conducting themselves in an ethical manner. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board directs staff to post the newly proposed ICANN Board of Directors' Code of Conduct for public comment, for consideration by the Board as soon as feasible. [Reference to PDF will be inserted when posted.] Ratification of Selection of Consultant to Conduct Independent Review of the Board Whereas, the Board Governance Committee has recommended that Boston Consulting Group be selected as the consultant to perform the independent review of the ICANN Board. Whereas, the BGC's recommendation to retain BCG was approved by the Executive Committee during its meeting on 12 June 2008. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board ratifies the Executive Committee's approval of the Board Governance Committee's recommendation to select Boston Consulting Group as the consultant to perform the independent review of the ICANN Board. Appointment of Independent Review Working Groups Whereas, the Board Governance Committee has recommended that several working groups should be formed to coordinate pending independent reviews of ICANN structures. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board establishes the following independent review working groups: ICANN Board Independent Review Working Group: Amadeu Abril i Abril, Roberto Gaetano (Chair), Steve Goldstein, Thomas Narten, Rajasekhar Ramaraj, Rita Rodin, and Jean Jacques Subrenat. DNS Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) Independent Review Working Group: Harald Alvestrand (Chair), Steve Crocker and Bruce Tonkin. Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) Independent Review Working Group: Robert Blokzijl, Dennis Jennings (Chair), Reinhard Scholl and Suzanne Woolf. Update on Independent Reviews of ICANN Structures (For discussion only.) Board Committee Assignment Revisions Whereas, the Board Governance Committee has recommended that the membership of several Board should be revised, and that all other committees should remain unchanged until the 2008 Annual Meeting. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the membership of the Audit, Finance, and Reconsideration committees are revised as follows: Audit Committee: Raimundo Beca, Demi Getschko, Dennis Jennings, Njeri Rionge and Rita Rodin (Chair). Finance Committee: Raimundo Beca, Peter Dengate Thrush, Steve Goldstein, Dennis Jennings, Rajasekhar Ramaraj (Chair), and Bruce Tonkin (as observer). Reconsideration Committee: Susan Crawford (Chair), Demi Getschko, Dennis Jennings, Rita Rodin, and Jean-Jacques Subrenat. Approval of BGC Recommendations on GNSO Improvements Whereas, Article IV, Section 4 of ICANN's Bylaws calls for periodic reviews of the performance and operation of ICANN's structures by an entity or entities independent of the organization under review. Whereas, the Board created the "Board Governance Committee GNSO Review Working Group" (Working Group) to consider the independent review of the GNSO and other relevant input, and recommend to the Board Governance Committee a comprehensive proposal to improve the effectiveness of the GNSO, including its policy activities, structure, operations and communications. Whereas, the Working Group engaged in extensive public consultation and discussions, considered all input, and developed a final report < http://www.icann.org/topics/gnso-improvements/gnso-improvements-report-03fe… > containing a comprehensive and exhaustive list of proposed recommendations on GNSO improvements. Whereas, the Board Governance Committee determined that the GNSO Improvements working group had fulfilled its charter and forwarded the final report to the Board for consideration. Whereas, a public comment forum was held open for 60 days to receive, consider and summarize < http://forum.icann.org/lists/gnso-improvements-report-2008/msg00033.html > public comments on the final report. Whereas, the GNSO Council and Staff have worked diligently over the past few months to develop a top-level plan for approaching the implementation of the improvement recommendations, as requested by the Board at its New Delhi meeting. Whereas, ICANN has a continuing need for a strong structure for developing policies that reflect to the extent possible a consensus of all stakeholders in the community including ICANN's contracted parties. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board endorses the recommendations of the Board Governance Committee's GNSO Review Working Group, other than on GNSO Council restructuring, and requests that the GNSO convene a small working group on Council restructuring including one representative from the current NomCom appointees, one member from each constituency and one member from each liaison-appointing advisory committee (if that advisory committee so desires), and that this group should reach consensus and submit a consensus recommendation on Council restructuring by no later than 25 July 2008 for consideration by Receipt of Report of President's Strategy Committee Consultation Whereas, the Chairman of the Board requested that the President's Strategy Committee undertake a process on how to strengthen and complete the ICANN multi-stakeholder model. Whereas, the PSC has developed three papers that outline key areas and possible responses to address them: "Transition Action Plan," "Improving Institutional Confidence in ICANN," and "FAQ." < http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-16jun08-en.htm > Whereas, these documents and the proposals contained in them have been discussed at ICANN's meeting in Paris. Whereas, a dedicated webpage has been launched to provide the community with information, including regular updates < http://icann.org/jpa/iic/ >. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board thanks the President's Strategy Committee for its work to date, and instructs ICANN staff to undertake the public consultation recommended in the action plan, and strongly encourages the entire ICANN community to participate in the continuing consultations on the future of ICANN by reviewing and submitting comments to the PSC by 31 July 2008. Selection of Mexico City for March 2009 ICANN Meeting Whereas, ICANN intends to hold its first meeting for calendar year 2009 in the Latin America region; Whereas, the Mexican Internet Association (AMIPCI) has agreed to host the meeting; Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board accepts the AMIPCI proposal to host ICANN's 34th global meeting in Mexico City, in March 2009. Review of Paris Meeting Structure (For discussion only.) Board Response to Discussions Arising from Paris Meeting (For discussion only.) ICANN At-Large Summit Proposal Whereas, at the ICANN meeting in New Delhi in February 2008, the Board resolved to direct staff to work with the ALAC to finalise a proposal to fund an ICANN At-Large Summit, for consideration as part of the 2008-2009 operating plan and budget process. < http://www.icann.org/minutes/resolutions-15feb08.htm > Whereas, potential funding for such a summit has been identified in the FY09 budget. < http://www.icann.org/financials/fiscal-30jun09.htm > Whereas, a proposal for the Summit was completed and submitted shortly before the ICANN Meeting in Paris. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), the Board approves the proposal to hold an ICANN At-Large Summit as a one-time special event, and requests that the ALAC work with ICANN Staff to implement the Summit in a manner that achieves efficiency, including considering the Mexico meeting as the venue. Resolved (2008.06.26.__), with the maturation of At-Large and the proposal for the At-Large Summit's objectives set out, the Board expects the ALAC to look to more self-funding for At-Large travel in the fiscal year 2010 plan, consistent with the travel policies of other constituencies. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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FW: Advert for the position of Website Editing Specialist
by Edith Adera 30 Jun '08

30 Jun '08

-----Original Message----- From: kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 30 June 2008 10:19 Subject: Advert for the position of Website Editing Specialist Please forward to your contacts (See attached file: Advert - Website Editing Specialist - 24th June 2008.doc) Keziah Muthembwa Public Information Officer World Bank, Kenya Office Box 30577 00100 Nairobi Tel: 254 20 3226484 "The past cannot be changed, the future is still in your power." - Hugh White

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World Youth Congress 2008
by Wainaina Mungai 29 Jun '08

29 Jun '08

Dear all, There is an opportunity for a KICTANet member to support youth and promote their work at the World Youth Congress to be held in Quebec, Canada in August. The organisation or individual will support one young person to attend the Congress by funding return airfare to Quebec. Your organisation may then utilise the young person to wear your merchandise (T-shirts, bag etc) as well as organise media coverage of your support. A win-win arragement that helps young Kenyans present their work at the Congress. One of the projects (ToughCookie Project) is featured on the congress website and http://www.madeinkenya.org If you are intersted, contact Made in Kenya Network on wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org by July 4th 2008. Regards, Wainaina -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-3590451 Cel: +254-722-811171 Cel: +254-735-370840 www.madeinkenya.org www.bungesms.com www.pamonet.org

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Kenya embarks on exercise to protect Intellectual Property - will this help our jeune entrepreneurs?
by Brian Longwe 28 Jun '08

28 Jun '08

The penny has finally dropped. After the country's huge loss of revenue due to Japanese patenting of Kenya's traditional 'kiondo' and the near loss of the traditional 'kikoy' patent to a shrewd Kenyan living in the UK, the Kenya Intellectual Property Institute (KIPI) has now embarked on a process to take stock of traditional knowledge and artifacts and determine those that need protection through patent. [Full article at] http://mashilingi.blogspot.com/2008/06/kenya-embarks-on-exercise-to-protect… -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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linked lists??
by Alex Gakuru 28 Jun '08

28 Jun '08

Recent unusually high traffic apparently originates from elsewhere. I request information whether kictanet was silently married? regards, Alex

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Re: [kictanet] Expensive software systems?
by tyrus＠icsit.jkuat.ac.ke 27 Jun '08

27 Jun '08

I think pkariuki has a point. The fact that even here in a University of Technology, students are encouraged to come up with creative solutions to problems affecting our current markets. However, the discouraging bit is that we tend to see recurring projects and very marginalized creativity. Certain societies and technology clubs do try to get innovative by going out there and identifying where they can offer solutions. Another weakness I find in our institutes of higher learning is the fact that research in IT is seriously lacking. If you are keen to observe, research is usually based on agriculture thus shutting out IT which we all know will propel this nation to achieving the vision 2030. My humble opinion is to venture into research and to ask stake-holders to come and tap into the brains here in campus. Having research carried out in campuses in as far as technology is concerned will even ensure the use of under-utilized resources and am referring to computers during after hours, idle bandwidth which will ultimately be paid for as if it were used, etc etc. Some bit of encouragement from the private sector that is coming up is the holding of competitions and exhibitions like the IEEE competitions which actually bring out the hidden potential in the students. This however, is also abit tricky because we have had cases of such stakeholders taking advantage of this thus benefiting themselves and short changing the students. I firmly believe in as far as developing add-on software to work with enterprise softwares like SAP or Oracle, this can be done locally and if the fear expressed here is the confidence in not having these developers going under with out a trace, then why not do it in university level where you have the full backing of its administration. Tyrus Muya Kamau. Systems Administrator, eLearning Jomo Kenyatta University of Agri & Techology Kenya, Cell Phone: +254-721292936. Mail:[email protected] [DISCLAIMER] This message may contain confidential information and must not be copied, disclosed or used by anybody other than the intended recipient. If you have received this message in error, please notify us by e-mail (noreply(a)jkuat.ac.ke) and then delete the e-mail and any copies of it. E-mail may be susceptible to data corruption, interception and unauthorised amendment, and no liability is accepted for any such corruption, interception or amendment, or the consequences thereof. No liability or responsibility is accepted for viruses - it is your responsibility to scan

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Fw: RE: Expensive software systems?
by Shem Ochuodho 27 Jun '08

27 Jun '08

FYI --- On Thu, 6/26/08, HW <hwachira(a)itakenya.com> wrote: From: HW <hwachira(a)itakenya.com> Subject: RE: [kictanet] Expensive software systems? To: "HW" <hwachira(a)itakenya.com> Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 5:43 PM Shem & co Thanks for your kind mention. I saw today someone announcing as “new” features we implemented through our Virtual-M ERP through which we deployed solutions for PricewaterhouseCoopers ERP in 1998! Perhaps our problem is PR – we do not promote our own, even when we do world class quality work. To bring you up to date we (Information Technology Associates Ltd) are currently involved in the design of two hopefully revolutionary products which we will be announcing shortly. Our client, in both cases the system is a PPP between government and stakeholders who need a national system with multi-platform interfaces (SMS, Internet, desktop, email, voice calls) and in which dB replication (to remote loc) will depend on very little bandwidth (GPRS). In both cases, hardware/chip design is involved, and the users of the system will be many (up to 1.5 million) and distributed countrywide. Yes, I am aware (and working on) the software/hardware integration aspects as you have described in ref to Nigeria . The challenge in the past has been that the Chinese or Malaysian manufactures do require numbers (min 10,000 units) for example to mass produce eg a microchip with your software integrated. It is only now for the first time that I have secured a large enough project requiring mass production in advance…. So I trust that we will in due course demonstrate that Africa can also offer software/hardware solutions competitively. Regards Haron Wachira Information Technology Associates Ltd 7th Floor, Eden Square (AIG House), Chiromo Road , Westlands P. O. Box 10510 Nairobi 00100 Landline: 254-20-3673691 Cell: +254-723-691835 Fax: 254-20-3673231 size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> From: Shem Ochuodho [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 9:55 PM To: kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Cc: New Vision List; Haron Wachira; Antoine BIGIRIMANA-Yahoo Subject: Re: [kictanet] Expensive software systems? Wesley, Actually given the right parameters, even ERP-like software can be locally developed. The two closest examples of ERP-like systems I have come across that were 'locally' developed were: a system by Haron Wachira (he formerly of Diamond Systems - the 1st Kenyan firm to assemble computers) which I remember being used by a major Tea company through its network, among others, and Rwanda 's SmartGov. There is a very thin line between these systems and conventional ERPs. Btw, before I even thought that 'hardware' manufacture/assembly is a pipe-dream for us - until I came across the 'fabless trend' that Nigeria is already pushing. It is truly cutting-edge technology - and 'knowledge work'. For those who might not know, in such a scenario, a country/firm that does not have the technology to 'manufacture' chips/VLSI can still design systems, and then send designs to places like Malaysia for production/manufacture of the chips. The 'intelligence' or brain-work (and hence the money) is not in the manufacture, but in the design, particularly for products whose value is in the uniqueness/complexity, not numbers. In effect, if the environment is right, it is doable. Shem --- On Wed, 6/25/08, wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Expensive software systems? To: "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 12:55 PM The kind of software I'm refering to is not on the rank of SAP and Oracle. These are software built to use SAP, Oracle or other larger scale software. So let me break it down: 1. Level 1 Software: Operating systems, SAP, Oracle, MS SQL, ...: I don't propose that these can be done locally. 2. Level 2 Software: Software that integrates with the above. Usually shipped as libraries. It's sort of middle level software: This requires good skill and can be done locally on some scale. Infact it should be encouraged that it be done locally. 3. Level 3 Software: What the client actually interacts with. They can also be software utilities. They interact with the Level 2 Software: Can be done locally. This is probably the work outsourced to countries with cheapest labour that can do the work. --- On Wed, 6/25/08, Leonard Mware <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Leonard Mware <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Expensive software systems? To: kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com Cc: "New Vision List" <newvisionkenya(a)yahoogroups.com>, "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 4:40 PM I have two questions: 1. Do we have locally done large scale ERPs in the market that compares with SAP, Navision, BAAN, Oracle Financials? 2. How well tested are they? For such a large and mission critical system testing skills and the cost of testing is critical on final cost. Leonard Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Wesley & Washington, Very legitimate points raised. Allow me to share a real life experience. While at KPC, we came across two very interesting scenarios. When developing the Corporate ICT Strategy, we shopped around and gathered that possibly only 2 other 'Class A' parastatals and a handful of large private corporations had developed their ICT strategies. In a number of cases for multi-nationals, their strategies had largely been developed from parent organizations overseas. For the 2 local firms (and 1 large MNC), they had spent about KShs 300m to develop their strategies. In the case of KPC, it was done by locals (Kenyans), and it cost in total just under KShs 15m (10m to 'experts' + overheads + taxes). Yet for those who may be in the know, at the time (2004/05), the KPC ICT Strategy was like an ad-hoc standard (the way the Rwandan ICT Masterplan is to some!). Not only did a number of other strategic parastatals go the same route/or borrow an idea or two from it; at the time, some sections of COMESA and NEPAD were considering it for a 'regional template'. Am not belabouring on this to show how excellent it was, but to give comfort that it was as good - if not better - than those which were developed at 20x its cost - and by locals. At inception, we had a dilemma because we would not have found any local experts with experience in this sector - since KPC was/is perhaps the only refined petroleum pipeline company in the region - so to find 'local experts' who had developed similar strategies was almost out of question. However, Management & Board recognized that there were discrete skills which could be put together to get something close to the desired whole/ideal: there were people who had developed strategies for large corporations (public and/or private), oil companies (the distributors), energy companies (e.g. SCADA is a backbone to all large-scale energy 'transporters', including KPC and KP&LC), etc. So, we went out looking for what at the time were considered to be some of the best within Govt, industry (private sector), academia, and civil society (in this case not the NGO Council, but professional associations), etc. In all, we ended up with a team of 15, some of them subscribers on this list. And they did a fantastic job. Scenario 2: just as the team was winding down, the SCADA system broke down. This wasn't the first time for the system to go done; it had done so a few times before. From info available, whenever this had happened before, we had to turn to a major international firm in this sector domiciled in Canada . Firstly, they would take at least two weeks to arrive to work on the problem. Secondly, every time they came the Corporation would pay KShs 10m minimum, minus overheads (air-fare, hotel accommodation, etc). In this instance, when the ICT-Strategy team was asked if they could work on it, 3 among them came forward to do so. Within 4 days, yes 4 days, the system was up and running, and it cost the Corporation only KShs 700k (inclusive of overheads)! Apart from the money and time saving, we had enabled ¡technology transfer/acquisition¢, and if need be, in future, there was local expertise that would be called upon. In a nutshell, I wouldn't be surprised if we spent 20x more on ICT products and services than is really necessary - especially for the ultra-large projects. ICT development and promotion is not only attractive in the wealth, jobs, efficiency and productivity it creates, but also in the expenses/costs it saves. Would be interesting to know how much as a country we spend to 'import technology' versus what we would need to spend on developing skills that would help us avoid importing some (of course not all) those technologies. Best rgrds, Shem --- On Wed, 6/25/08, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Expensive software systems? To: "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 4:20 AMOn Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 9:56 AM, wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Ladies and Gentlemen, > > How come most of the software systems Kenya gvnmt and related bodies > purchase always cost 100s of millions if not a few billions? > Like this one for KPA: > http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8383&Item… > > This is not meant to hit anyone hard. I'm trying to see whether there is a > better solution. > > So far this year I've heard of 3 systems: > 1. KRA > 2. Immigration > 3. KPA. > > This KPA system costs a total of 450M, but the software bit is 200M. From > the software features described I feel they could have got better value for > their money. > > May be these systems really cost that much. May be there is someone in the > list who can shed more light on these systems. > > BTW: To make this even more interesting various developers in the list can > suggest a software solution component for each problem these systems solve, > estimated development time and estimated cost. That way it's not just > talking the talk but walking the walk. > > I'll take a shot: > Case 1: > From the newspaper article, one of the port guys is quoted as saying: > "One unique thing about the system is its capacity to capture data in real > time. The moment a vehicle rolls out of a vessel, its data is captured. This > makes it easier for us to track such cargo and containers as well," said > Osero. > > My take: > Analysis: The machines which are costing 250M (It's 250M machines + 200M > software = 450M entire system) have sensors that measure different > qualities/properties of the item in the machine e.g. weight. These machines > have an API to link them to a computer system. Using the API get the > measured quantity and display/store in database etc. This isn't really the > hardest thing to do as the manufactures of the 250M machines should provide > documentation and support to the software developers. > > Estimated work force and time: 3 developers, 3-4 months. > > Cost: 200K * 3 developers * 4 months = 2.4M. + 20% (any other expenses) = > 2.88M. > > Case 2: > Another feature is keeping track/audit trails/ historical data. > > My take: > Analysis: This is basically from: > 1. Collection of good requirements from the port. > 2. Designing the right architecture that fits the requirements. > 3. Creating the right designs from the architecture. > 4. Pass the designs to the programmers for implementation. > > 1-3 are Key and this is where the bulk of the money will go. > > Estimated work force and time: 3 system requirements/analysis collectors, 4 > months. The actual time depends on how well KPA know the problems they are > facing, and how well they can describe them. > 3 system/software architects, > 3 months. > 4 system/software designers, 5 > months. > > Cost: (Requirements) 100K * 3 * 4 = 1.2M+20% = 1.44M > (Architecture) 350K * 3 * 3 = 3.15M+20% = 3.78M > (Design) 250K * 4 * 5 = 5M+20% = 6M. > > So far the total is 14.1 M. And these are some of the most important roles. > Even with 15 programmers @ 100K for 12 months (+20%) = 21.6M for a current > toral of 35.7M. > > OK I'll stop there. I'm not writting a report. Feel free to correct me. I > could be very wrong. Hello Kiriinya, This is a very interesting analysis and I'm compelled to agree with you as regards the cost factors. However, the implementation process doesn't seem to be that straight, and might not be for some time. Hey, I am not being the govt spokesman on these matters but nothing is so secret about it. I do believe that tenders were invited for such implementations but I don't know the details. I am only assuming it's the norm. If any studies were carried out regarding the system requirements, then only the IT Directors within those organizations can tell. Perhaps it's time such information is made public via some govt publication (those organizations are parastatals). I am not familiar with govt procurement procedures but the last time I read anything about it, it was a whole lot of a mess so you don't expect to see any level of transparency in that. Those are some of the things the coalition govt is supposed to be addressing, IIRC. But even if you expressed interest in undertake such a project, I wonder how much the organizations would be willing to let you in on their operations. So the first question is: Did they give the organization that won the tender the access into their operations in order to understand their needs? I don't think so. Perhaps they just "borrowed" from an organization that had done it for someone else and customized! In such a case, no one cares to do the calculations as you have done. They simply get a quote, "negotiate" and buy. I believe this explains why the costs are as high as they are. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi ,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/shemochuodho%40yahoo.c… _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mleonardo%40yahoo.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kiriinya2000%40yahoo.c… _______________________________________________kictanet mailing [email protected]://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: shemochuodho(a)yahoo.comUnsubscribe or change your options athttp://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/shemochuodho%40yahoo…

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Re: [kictanet] Voiceless 'Knowledge Workers'
by Shem Ochuodho 27 Jun '08

27 Jun '08

Victor,   I wouldn't have responded to this, save for the record. I am not sure which Rwandan 5-star hotel you are talking about (as they are not many), but whatever the case, you and I seem to be talking about 2 different Rwanda's. And btw, 300km of fiber for Rwanda is not the same thing as 300km for Kenya, not that Kenya's laid and functional national fiber is significantly much higher!   Even with the fact that it would be unfair to compare Rwanda's ICT status with Kenya's (given the countries' histories, sizes, populations, and economies), one cannot deny the fact that Rwanda is a miracle story, largely due to leadership and vision. And it is not only limited to ICT: look at governance, gender, security (Kigali is one of the safest of the 40+ African cities am familiar with), cleanliness/environment, good roads, etc. This is not to say Rwanda does not have its flip side; of course it does, e.g. democracy and private sector are still nascent, limited human resource base, etc.   Back to ICT: neither you nor I would be the best judge on whether Rwanda or Kenya is doing better in ICT. But last year's UNCTAD's Global ICT Diffusion Index put Rwanda at per with (if not ahead of) Kenya. If we are talking implementation, sample this:-   1. Rwanda was the 1st Sub-Saharan Africa's country to link its two largest cities by fiber 2. Rwanda's Cabinet sessions are e-ready (a good number of ministers prepare their own power point presentations) 3. Rwanda is the only country I know of where within 24 hrs of a Cabinet meeting, decisions are available on the web (Official Govt website - talk of transparency!) 4. Rwanda's e-Parliament is being used by NEPAD as a model for Africa - Internet-ready/WiFi/WiBro at every point of 'Parliament's' precinct (both Senate and Chamber of Deputies) 5. Rwanda was the first African country where e-Schools was simultaneously launched in all the 6 urban-rural schools with live webcast 6. Nearly 80% Govt offices in Kigali have fiber-to-office 7. About 10 local/district headquarter sites already have functional video-conferencing facilities connected to Kigali 8. Rwanda was first Sub-Saharan Africa to establish an ICT/TechnoPark (already with over a dozen active clients/innovators/companies) 9. Rwanda is the only African country I know of whose IFMIS (Treasury/Ministry of Finance System) is anchored on a locally developed software, by a Rwandan company (talk of supporting local private sector) 10. Telemedicine Network: several major hospitals are already connected 11. With Rwanda's Karisimbi 'Earth Satellite Station' linked to a Transponder in Stockholm, in October 2006 Rwanda was able to negotiate with Intelsat bandwidth rates down from US$ 4,500 per Mbps a month (which is what everybody pays - some countries pay as high as $6,000) to $1,300. COMESA/ADB have now adopted the facility for use for regional air-traffic control and surveillance. 12. On the e-legislation front, Rwanda was one of the first Africa's countries to evolve an IPR Law, and its e-Transactions Law (like ours) is under consideration.    .... I could go on and on with the list. If these don't constitute 'achievements', then I don't know what does. Btw, several African countries I know of are borrowing one leaf or the other from the Rwandan 'humble' experience (including its plans).   But then again, is it fair for Kenya to compare with Rwanda? Shouldn't we have done much better than we have? I recall a saying that 'one thing's their mother is the best cook in the world until you taste another woman's dish'. Of course am not saying we have done nothing/little; my contention is that there are strategic things we could and should do to make an even greater leap.   Best rgrds, Shem --- On Thu, 6/12/08, Victor Maloi <victormaloi3(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Victor Maloi <victormaloi3(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Voiceless 'Knowledge Workers' To: shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Thursday, June 12, 2008, 1:26 PM Dear Shem, I am in utter shock that you want to involve stakeholders from day 0ne.  Havent you ever heard the African saying - "too many cooks spoilt the broath".  Do you want Kenya to go the Rwanda way.  For those who do not know, Rwanda ICT programme cannot be compared to any in East Africa.  It is simply way back.  What they have succeeded with the help of Shem, is to talk about ICTs.  The NICIs.  There is nothing on the ground.  The speeds of internet in any five star hotel are far below what you get in our three star hotels here.  They have laid only 300 Kms of fibre but they have plans all over.   Although I have often criticised our policy mskers here, they have mostly been action oriented with a mix of stakeholder participation.  For example, we all know or have the summary Master Plan that I hear is being expanded.  Had we waited to finish the plan before we start the infrastructure projects, ICTs would still be discussed among the techies.  If you listened to the Budget proposals today, you will know that the ICT programme in Kenya means sereous.  Please Dr. Ndemo do not listen to Shem because he may contaminate you with the Rwandese rhetoric.     Victor.   On 12/06/2008, Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Joseph,   Apologies for a late acknowledgement of your mail.   Well put. I guess the greatest desire for people like Nyong'o, Juma, etc, is to see those dear things they espouse done - not necessarily by them, but done nonetheless. Let's hope that some of the actions being floated in these spaces will some day (sooner or later) see the light of day.   Best rgrds, Shem

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Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country)
by Marilyn Kamuru 26 Jun '08

26 Jun '08

Could we please stop equating the BPO sector with Call Centers. Every time a discussion on the BPO sector starts it is inevitably reduced to a discussion on call centers. This is one of the biggest problems domestic outsourcing companies face since the BPO discussion seems to be only about call centers (for those of you at the CEO Breakfast earlier this year you will recall it was one of the main issues CEOs identified . They said the message they received was essentially BPO=Call Centers). There are numerous BPOs in the country that offer back office processing services from imaging and data storage to mail sorting and delivery (perhaps the stock brokers would have been advised to use them to prevent the Safaricom refund fiasco), and when we fail to highlight the diversity of the industry we lose valuable opportunities for marketing and visibility for these companies and the industry as a whole. Business Process Outsourcing is much larger that call centers and if we on this list cannot seem to make that distinction that is a major problem. May I also suggest that the ICT Board has more work to do on promoting domestic as well as international BPO work. Without a viable domestic market, we will not be able to nuture and grow local companies. Before the international business comes it would be helpful if local companies had local business to help sustain them, provide refernces as well as cushion them against the longer sales cycle for international contracts. Government can help by leading the way as it looks at implementing the eGovernment initiative as well as in providing incentives for local business to outsource. Marilyn Many thanks and best regards, Marilyn M. Kamuru eManage Africa Ltd. P.O. Box 18136 00500 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 20828 383; 20 34550 Cell : (254) 725 525 972, 736 225 384 www.emanageafrica.com

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Expensive software systems?
by wesley kiriinya 26 Jun '08

26 Jun '08

Ladies and Gentlemen, How come most of the software systems Kenya gvnmt and related bodies purchase always cost 100s of millions if not a few billions? Like this one for KPA: http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8383&Item… This is not meant to hit anyone hard. I'm trying to see whether there is a better solution. So far this year I've heard of 3 systems: 1. KRA 2. Immigration 3. KPA. This KPA system costs a total of 450M, but the software bit is 200M. From the software features described I feel they could have got better value for their money. May be these systems really cost that much. May be there is someone in the list who can shed more light on these systems. BTW: To make this even more interesting various developers in the list can suggest a software solution component for each problem these systems solve, estimated development time and estimated cost. That way it's not just talking the talk but walking the walk. I'll take a shot: Case 1: >From the newspaper article, one of the port guys is quoted as saying: “One unique thing about the system is its capacity to capture data in real time. The moment a vehicle rolls out of a vessel, its data is captured. This makes it easier for us to track such cargo and containers as well," said Osero. My take: Analysis: The machines which are costing 250M (It's 250M machines + 200M software = 450M entire system) have sensors that measure different qualities/properties of the item in the machine e.g. weight. These machines have an API to link them to a computer system. Using the API get the measured quantity and display/store in database etc. This isn't really the hardest thing to do as the manufactures of the 250M machines should provide documentation and support to the software developers. Estimated work force and time: 3 developers, 3-4 months. Cost: 200K * 3 developers * 4 months = 2.4M. + 20% (any other expenses) = 2.88M. Case 2: Another feature is keeping track/audit trails/ historical data. My take: Analysis: This is basically from: 1. Collection of good requirements from the port. 2. Designing the right architecture that fits the requirements. 3. Creating the right designs from the architecture. 4. Pass the designs to the programmers for implementation. 1-3 are Key and this is where the bulk of the money will go. Estimated work force and time: 3 system requirements/analysis collectors, 4 months. The actual time depends on how well KPA know the problems they are facing, and how well they can describe them. 3 system/software architects, 3 months. 4 system/software designers, 5 months. Cost: (Requirements) 100K * 3 * 4 = 1.2M+20% = 1.44M (Architecture) 350K * 3 * 3 = 3.15M+20% = 3.78M (Design) 250K * 4 * 5 = 5M+20% = 6M. So far the total is 14.1 M. And these are some of the most important roles. Even with 15 programmers @ 100K for 12 months (+20%) = 21.6M for a current toral of 35.7M. OK I'll stop there. I'm not writting a report. Feel free to correct me. I could be very wrong.

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Job Opening
by Odhiambo Washington 25 Jun '08

25 Jun '08

FWD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:56:40 +0300 [06:56:40 AM CDT] From: Hannah Slavik <hslavik(a)diplomacy.edu> To: alumni(a)diplomacy.edu Reply-To: hslavik(a)diplomacy.edu Subject: [alumni] part-time job opening {01} Part-time Job Opening – Editor / Web Writer Diplo is seeking an experienced, part-time editor / web writer willing to work flexible hours from home, wherever he or she is located. The editor / web writer will edit a variety of texts ranging from personal e-mails through project proposals to online course materials, correcting grammar and re-writing texts to improve clarity, proposing structural improvements, and pointing out problems with argumentation, if needed. The editor / web writing will also write short articles for the DiploFoundation website, and review and re-write existing web texts to improve communication with the public. For job details, information on requirements and how to apply, please see www.diplomacy.edu/display.asp?Topic=Job-Editor. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<FWD -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post

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The Soul Beat Issue 109: Mobile Phones for Social Change in Africa
by alice wanjira 25 Jun '08

25 Jun '08

>From the SOUL BEAT AFRICA partnership - Soul City and The >Communication Initiative ...African choices...critical voices...crossing borders...African stories... === According to the African Telecommunication/ICT Indicators 2008 (see http://www.comminit.com/redirect.cgi?cimo=1&r=http://www.itu.int/ITU- D /ict/publications/africa/2008/index.html ), the number of mobile subscribers in Africa has increased dramatically over the last few years. In 2007 the African continent added over 60 million new mobile subscribers and mobile phones represented 90 percent of all telephone subscribers. This issue of The Soul Beat shares a selection of programme experiences, strategic thinking documents, and materials related to the use of mobile telephones for social change in Africa. If you would like your organisation's communication work or research and resource documents to be featured on the Soul Beat Africa website and in The Soul Beat newsletters, please contact soulbeat(a)comminit.com To subscribe to The Soul Beat, go to http://www.comminit.com/en/user/register/38 or send an email to soulbeat(a)comminit.com with a subject of "subscribe". === Please note: We'd like to encourage all those who have not yet registered to register on the Soul Beat Africa website, even if you are already a subscriber to The Soul Beat. There are features that are only available to those who register; for example, there are polls and questions that are only available to registered users, and in order to tailor the information to you and your needs, registration will be required. In addition, we'd like to make sure that our files are updated so that we are aware of your specific interests and needs. To register, please see http://www.comminit.com/en/user/register/38 (note: if you are already registered and signed in, this link will NOT work for you. It is only for those people who are not yet registered). === PROGRAMME EXPERIENCES http://www.comminit.com/en/africa/experiences.html 1. MyQuestion and MyAnswer - Nigeria Learning about Living, a project that aims to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to educate young people on issues around adolescent reproductive health, is running two information and advice services for young people in Nigeria called MyQuestion and MyAnswer. The project, launched in November 2007 by the charity OneWorld UK, in collaboration with other key Nigerian health non-governmental organisations (NGOs), allows young people to request information on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS through short messaging system (SMS), by going online, or by phoning a hotline. It also involves a competition which requires that young people answer a set question related to HIV/AIDS each month in order to win airtime. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/269380/38 Contact Finola Robinson finola.robinson(a)oneworld.net OR Learning about Living info(a)learningaboutliving.org 2. Groots Kenya Mobile Phone Mentoring Strategy - Kenya This project focuses on the protection of land rights of women and orphans, many of whom are affected by HIV/AIDS. In order to achieve their objectives, the organisation is making use of mobile phones to advocate for and address women's and orphan's rights to own and inherit property. The project works across 4 regions in Kenya: Kakamega in western province, Kendubay in Nyanza province, and Limuru and Gatundu in Central province of Kenya. Mobile phones are being used by women and community watchdog groups to report cases of land-grabbing in these regions, and to facilitate interaction and knowledge-sharing between chiefs in the different regions. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/269010/38 Contact Everlyne Nairesiae grootsk(a)grootskenya.org 3. SMS to Treat TB - South Africa A doctor in Cape Town, South Africa is using SMS technology to remind patients to take their medication for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). This initiative is premised on the observation that TB patients often do not take their medication simply because they forget. Names of TB patients are entered onto a database. Every half hour a computer server reads the database and sends personalised messages to the patients, reminding them to take their medication. The idea is to use technology to address a real need effectively, but in a simple, affordable, and flexible way. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/125925/38 Contact Dr. David Green david(a)on-cue.co.za 4. Village Phone Rwanda (Tel'imbere) - Rwanda Launched in 2006, Village Phone Rwanda was created as a joint venture between Grameen Foundation and MTN Rwanda. The Village Phone business is called Tel'imbere, loosely translated as "telephone forward" in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda's main language. It is designed to extend the benefits of affordable telecommunications access in a sustainable, profitable, and empowering way by offering villages opportunities to access telecommunications through a sustainable business model. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/270294/38 Contact Grameen Foundation villagephone(a)grameenfoundation.org 5. Xam Marsé - Senegal Launched by Manobi in 2001, Xam Marsé provides market information about various products to Senegalese farmers, traders, hoteliers, and others via internet and free, daily telephone SMS messages. Meaning "know your market" in Wolof, Xam Marsé provides SMSs with real-time information on the prices and availability of fruit, vegetables, meat and poultry, on any of Senegal's markets. Manobi introduced the service to increase access of producers to information that would allow them to make better decisions about sales and purchases. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/266053/38 Contact Daniel Annerose daniel.annerose(a)manobi.net 6. Mobile Dictionary (MobiDic) - South Africa This is a project developed to enable South African dictionary users to access dictionary content via their cellular phones. The project works by sending a word for which the user needs an explanation to a premium-rated short code number. They will instantly receive a definition in return via SMS. Most definitions will be contained in one SMS. On occasion, a definition will be longer than one SMS and in those cases two return SMS messages will be sent without any additional costs to the user. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/128965/38 Contact Danie Swart swartdp(a)sabc.co.za 7. Using Cellular Technology to Monitor Rights Violations and Improve Child Protection in Eastern DRC - Democratic Republic of Congo In April 2005, Ajedi-Ka and the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict (CAC) began work on a pilot project using cellular phones and internet technology to facilitate existing Village Committees for Child Protection (VCCP) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to monitor and report on child rights violations. The programme aimed to empower local organisations and community members to use the technology in the context of armed conflict, and make monitoring and reporting more efficient. Cellular phones were used to relay information on child rights violations from the VCCPs to Ajedi-Ka staff. Ajedi-Ka shared detailed information about each of the fully verified cases with Watchlist headquarters in New York. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/135290/38 Contact Bukeni Beck info(a)ajedika.org OR bukeni(a)ajedika.org 8. Freedom HIV/AIDS Game - India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda This gaming initiative uses mobile telephones to engage people in entertaining, awareness-raising activities regarding HIV/AIDS. Designed to appeal to different gaming mind-sets as well as the psychology of mobile phone users, the games were crafted in such a way that both the casual player and the game enthusiast might be drawn to play. Sports is a central strategy for engaging players, especially youth, and the first game, "AIDS Penalty Shoot-out" is based on soccer. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/133100/38 Contact Bhanu Sahni zmq(a)vsnl.com === Rising Voices, the outreach arm of Global Voices, in collaboration with the Open Society Institute Public Health Program's Health Media Initiative, is now accepting project proposals for the third round of micro grant funding of up to US$5,000 for new media outreach projects focused especially on public health issues involving marginalised populations. For more information visit the Rising Voices website http://www.comminit.com/redirect.cgi?cimo=1&r=http://rising.globalvoic esonline.org/about/ === STRATEGIC THINKING http://www.comminit.com/en/africa/strategicthinking.html 9. Mobile Activism or Mobile Hype? by Firoze Manji This paper, published in the Gender and Media Diversity Journal, argues that while technology offers many opportunities, the push to bridging the digital divide and harnessing the power of ICT often neglects people as the resource that is most central to development. The author proposes that while technology may provide tools that people can use, it should not be over-rated as the solution to every problem. Based on 2 experiences using mobile phones in Africa to address women's rights and social development, the key lesson learned is that mobile phones are only useful as one part of a strategy in which people must remain at the forefront. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/270107/38 10. The Un-wired Continent: Africa's Mobile Success Story by Vanessa Gray This paper explores trends in mobile telephone use on the African continent. According to the author, there is a persisting need to provide access to those who have been excluded - mainly, rural dwellers and lower-income citizens. Research suggests that low-income households are prepared to spend relatively large amounts of their revenue on telecommunications because it helps them save money in other areas. The article also includes examples of the use of the mobile phones and cites an example where farmers in Uganda have used them to find out about the latest crop prices. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/265616/38 11. Livelihood Changes Enabled by Mobile Phones: The Case of Tanzanian Fishermen by Jonas Myhr and Lars Nordström "Mobile phones have had a tremendous diffusion rate in Africa in recent years. This has brought access to telecommunication to new user groups, among them Tanzanian fishermen. But how does mobile phone use affect the way fishermen live their lives, how they pursue economic activities and how they protect themselves from vulnerability to risk?" This research shows that mobile phone use empowers fishermen, both through increased bargaining power and increased control over external events. Mobile phones give increased knowledge about market opportunities and the possibility to work more efficiently. Furthermore, mobile phones give fishermen the possibility to take measures to decrease the risks they are exposed to, such as emergencies out at sea.. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/269625/38 12. Scaling a Changing Curve: Traditional Media Development and the New Media The Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) commissioned this study to examine the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in independent media development and to shed light on the state of current practice with respect to media development and new technologies. This document analyses the use of new media, including blogs, social networking sites, cell phone messaging, and other relatively new technology applications in communication for development. It contextualises new media in the rapidly changing global information industry, and offers recommendations on how independent media-development programmes can take advantage of, and keep abreast of, these new global trends. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/268329/38 13. Enterprise Across the Digital Divide: Information Systems and Rural Microenterprise in Botswana by Richard Duncombe and Richard Heeks This paper explores the role of information and information-handling technologies in rural microenterprises (MSEs). Through a case study of rural MSEs in Botswana's economically poorest areas in 1999, the researchers identify social networks as the primary information system among poor rural entrepreneurs. The vast majority of MSEs surveyed could not afford individual access to ICT. Those who used phones reported a reduction in their operational costs (e.g. by substituting travels), increased income, or reduced uncertainty of transactions with suppliers and customers. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/220054/38 MATERIALS http://www.comminit.com/en/africa/materials.html 14. MobileActive Strategy Guide #1: Using Mobile Phones in Elections and Voter Registration Campaigns by Michael Stein This series of Strategy Guides is designed to equip organisations around the world with the know-how to deploy effective mobile campaigns for a variety of types of activism and advocacy. Guide #1 covers the use of mobile phones in elections, both as voter registration and monitoring tools. They can also be used to educate citizens on candidates and their stances on issues and for fund raising in support of candidates. According to the guide, "with 3 billion phones in circulation around the world, in many countries mobile phones are the easiest and least expensive way to communicate and are far more pervasive than the internet". http://www.comminit.com/en/node/267971/38 15. MobileActive Strategy Guide #2: Using Mobile Phones in Advocacy Campaigns by Michael Stein This guide, the second in the series of 3, offers strategies, case studies, lessons learned, and a how-to section for advocacy organisations considering using mobile phones to advance their causes. It is intended to encourage the adoption of mobile phones by non-profits to build their constituent lists, influence political causes, and raise money. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/267969/38 16. Going the Last Mile: What's Stopping a Wireless Revolution? by Panos This is the fourth in a series of short briefing documents for journalists on different aspects of ICTs and the 'information society'. It is offered by Panos as a service to non-specialists, and in particular to journalists wishing to cover information society issues following the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in November 2005. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/188878/38 EVENT http://www.comminit.com/en/africa/events.html 17. ICTs for Civil Society Conference: Unlocking the Potential of Mobile Technology for Social Impact (Oct 13-15 2008) Johannesburg, South Africa SANGONeT, a South African based organisation that aims to support the effective use of ICTS among Southern African civil society organisations, will focus their fourth annual "ICTs for Civil Society" conference and exhibition on the theme "Unlocking the Potential of Mobile Technology for Social Impact". The 3-day conference aims to convene approximately 250 civil society, development, and technology practitioners interested in the use and application of mobile technology in support of social impact. http://www.comminit.com/en/node/269907/38 === To view related previous issues of The Soul Beat newsletter see: The Soul Beat 103 - Telecentres March 12 2008 http://www.comminit.com/en/node/268000/38 The Soul Beat 84 - Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Education May 9 2007 http://www.comminit.com/en/node/264063/38 To view archived editions of The Soul Beat Newsletter see http://www.comminit.com/en/africa/soul-beat-archives.html ==== We would love to hear from you: Please send us your comments by going to http://www.comminit.com/en/africa/comments.html or email soulbeat(a)comminit.com For more comments on the Soul Beat Africa website see http://www.comminit.com/en/africa/comments_aboutus.html Please send material for The Soul Beat to soulbeat(a)comminit.com To subscribe, see http://www.comminit.com/en/africa/soul-beat-subscribe.html To unsubscribe, reply to this message with "unsubscribe" as the subject.

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Expensive software systems?
by Phares Kariuki 25 Jun '08

25 Jun '08

> > What makes them cost so much is the assurance that they are tested, have > reference sites and simply they will work. That 10 years down the line KPA > can still get support/enhancements from the Company. > > Dealing with individual developers is tricky. They can switch jobs/go to > US/become sacred cows ... :-) A big company/organization feels safe dealing > with an equally big organization that can't fold/disappear/change strategy > overnight. > I tend to agree. Most Kenyan software outfits are briefcase companies. I'm sure many on the list have been called to migrate or resuscitate a system where the developer 'quit' working for his company, leaving it in limbo or got a better offer. Basic documentation is a foreign concept. EABL paid 1 Billion for SAP, however, I don't see SAP going down any time soon... Same applies, support is the most important thing, as it ensures business continuity. > > On Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 11:03 AM, aki <aki275(a)googlemail.com> wrote: > >> Wesley, you are absolutely correct on developing local solutions. Local >> developers can do an equally or even better design, implementation and >> sustain long term support of the systems. Outsourcing of technology, >> software and solutions will lead to loss of jobs, revenue, oppurtunity >> and growth for kenyans in the ICT sector. >> >> The ICT software development community is a strong selling point for >> Kenya. Would it be possible for ICT policy makers to integrate the >> development community in its visions, plans and strategies ? This would be >> a great start and would lay the foundations of understanding and >> promoting local potential to even the sponsors/loaners/financiers of such >> projects >> >> With Rgds. >> >> Aki. >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> skunkworks mailing list >> skunkworks(a)my.co.ke >> http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >> Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com >> Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke >> > > > > -- > With Regards, > Phares Kaboro Kariuki, > > "Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we > deserve". > George Bernard Shaw -- With Regards, Phares Kaboro Kariuki, "Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve". George Bernard Shaw

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REMINDER: LIVE WEBCAST from WORLD BANK: Global Dialog Workshop on Public Private Partnerships in e-Government Projects (June 25, 4:00pm)
by Harry Hare 25 Jun '08

25 Jun '08

Dear Colleagues, For those who will not make it to the World Bank offices for the session today and still want to participate, you can join us through a live webcast on http://www.worldbank.org/edevelopment/live Attached is the programme for your use. The slides can also be downloaded from http://go.worldbank.org/R8MULFAQQ0 Kindest Regards Harry African eDevelopment Resource Centre eDevelopment House 604 Limuru Road, Old Muthaiga PO Box 49475 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Cel +254 725 650044 Land +254 20 3741646/7 <http://www.africanedevelopment.org> www.africanedevelopment.org June/July 2008 Training Opportunities VSAT Feild Eng. 18-20 June Supply Chain Management 24-27 June Fibre Optic Technician 1-4 July Knowledge Management 8-11July Space is limited Book Now! P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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Job vacancies Computer Aid Nairobi
by alice wanjira 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

Job vacancies Computer Aid Nairobi *Assistant Director: Africa Programme (based in Nairobi)* The Assistant Director of the Africa Programme will be the senior member of staff heading Computer Aid's growing team of ICT4D professionals in Africa. To receive a job description and application form send a blank email to assist(a)computeraid.org *Projects Manager: (based in Nairobi)* The Projects Manager will manage the full project cycle of a range of Computer Aid ICT4D projects from project design and fundraising through implementation to monitoring and evaluation. To receive a job description and application form send a blank email to projects(a)computeraid.org The deadline for the receipt of application forms is 5pm on Thurday July 10th. ======================================= APC Forum is a meeting place for the APC community - people and institutions who are or have been involved in collaboration with APC, and share the APC vision - a world in which all people have easy, equal and affordable access to the creative potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives and create more democratic and egalitarian societies. _______________________________________________ apc.forum mailing list apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

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NEPAD e-Africa Commission aka e-Payment Gateway
by Lucy Kimani 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

We dont seem to learn!!! Why should each country for example Kenya not have its own e-payment gateway? Every time you involve third parties in transactions, you up the prices its basic economics 101 which makes one wonder "that the cost of deploying this e-payment gateway is about US$100 million and is estimated to be more economical than if each country were to design and implement its own gateway." Why is it so hard to get our act together, and amend the necessary laws so that e-transactions are legally recognized, and then let the private sector build the e-payment gateways!! In any case did anybody bother to shop around to find out how much an e-payment gateway actually costs, or was the above accepted as the gospel truth without facts? NEPAD e-Africa Commission project progress is hailed The NEPAD e-Africa Commission Steering Committee held its 9th meeting on 11 June 2008 in Pretoria, South Africa and hailed progress made by the organisation on projects approved by the committee such as UHURUNET submarine cable, UMOJANET terrestrial cable, the Kigali Protocol, the NEPAD e-Schools Initiative and the NEPAD e-2010 Project. The meeting was attended by representatives from Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. Notable among them were Kenya High Commissioner to South Africa Tom Amolo; Muhammad Zannah, Minister (Political), Nigeria High Commission in South Africa; and Mamadou M. Seck, Director of NEPAD in Senegal. The meeting particularly took note of the NEPAD e-Schools Initiative stakeholders conference organised by the e-Africa Commission in Johannesburg, South Africa in April 2008 and the on-going activities with the various countries and agencies to develop this project. Progress on NEPAD e-2010 project The NEPAD e-2010 Project was approved by the 7th Steering Committee meeting in 2007 and since then progress has been made on development of the website portal, the software for the booking system, and the NEPAD Africa e-Payment Gateway. The Kenya Government, through its Tourist Trust, with which the NEPAD e-Africa Commission has been working closely on this project, provided funds and seconded a person to help with the establishment of the e-payment gateway in Kenya. NEPAD Africa e-Payment Gateway The NEPAD Africa e-Payment Gateway is an e-tourism project intended to benefit the African continent by reducing the costs of doing tourism business. The project will enable African citizens and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) of African countries to receive direct payments from anywhere in the world in a more cost effective and efficient way similar to that used in developed economies. The objective is to bring revenue directly into Africa using an African owned and operated infrastructure that will directly impact the GDP of African economies. Dr. Henry Chasia, the NEPAD e-Africa Commission Executive Deputy Chairperson, says that while engaging in this project the commission will seek to enhance policy and regulatory reforms to facilitate and accelerate electronic commerce. Lyndall Shope-Mafole, Director-General in the South African Department of Communications, and one of the executive committee members, emphasised the importance of the project to the South African Government in its efforts to ensure that all African countries participate in and benefit from the FIFA World Cup 2010 which is being hosted by South Africa. Says Ahmed Kassam, the project manager: “The project is intended to provide African businesses, citizens as well as governments with efficient and affordable access to electronic commerce platforms; and provide each country with the ability to increase tourism and SME sector revenues without incurring the high costs charged by existing third party platforms residing outside of Africa. “The project could secure e-tourism transactions by creating an escrow account that would hold the payment until the customer was satisfied.” The project is a joint partnership between African and international investors initially targeting the tourism sector but broad in scope to cater for the SMEs in other non-tourism sectors that do not have the resources to market and conduct electronic commerce through the internet. It is intended that African entities will hold the majority of shares in the venture. The NEPAD e-Africa Commission has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) to support the design, development and roll-out of the gateway. The cost of deploying this payment gateway is about US$100 million and is estimated to be more economical than if each country were to design and implement its own gateway. The executive committee also resolved to convene an e-Africa Commission meeting in August, 2008. The commission consists of Ministers responsible for ICT, AU Commissioners for Infrastructure and Energy, and Human Resources, Science and Technology, the CEO of the NEPAD Secretariat and the Executive Deputy Chairperson of the NEPAD e-Africa Commission. It will be chaired by the Minister in charge of ICT in the country chairing the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC). For more information, contact: Samuel Mikenga Communications Manager NEPAD e-Africa Commission Email: SMikenga(a)eafricacommission.org Email: SamuelM(a)nepad.org Email: s.mikenga(a)paris.com Tel: +27 12 841 4523 (office) Cell: +27 725 296 769 Fax: +27 12 841 4094 Website: www.eafricacommission.org

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Re: [kictanet] KICTAnet Discussions -who takes the action?
by John Walubengo 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

Hey Waudo in Paris, You raise some interesting questions - which i had answered before but since the list has grown a lot in recent times, i can repeat. Your key question is whether the ideas, discussions and/or opinion shared in this space have any impact and more specifically if action is taken arising from the same. KICTAnet is a non-binding ICT Policy discussion platform for Academia, Media, Telcos, ICT Practitioners, Regulators, Government, etc. In other words, members are at liberty to float ideas, recommendations, promises, complaints without the risk of being crucified for it (only requirement being diplomacy ofcourse). Some may then argue, that the platform becomes a waste of time but the truth of the matter is that the non-binding nature presents opportunities to challenge status-quo and explore new thinking and opportunities in a non-formal (read constrained) environment. The ideas arising often stimulate self-declared action from members- some of which we never get to know about since by then the objective of 'sharing' would have been met. Nevertheless, I can tell you for sure that most of the recent activities within the ICT domain have been picked or sounded off the list. You may come across an article in the media that sprung off from the list - the user/beneficiary was a member within the Media category. Or you may find that a decision of a Telco or Regulator has been delayed/accelerated/modified after picking intelligence off the list, or a new training course or curricula created/modified arising from ideas from the list- the beneficiary ofcourse being Academia. More than that, I think it is just a great networking opportunity where new contacts are created leading to new opportunities that KICTAnet will never get to know about. That's the way I found KICTAnet when I registered 3years ago, and that's how I have been seeing it. walu, in Rongai, Kajiado ;-). --- On Tue, 6/24/08, waudo siganga <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> wrote: > From: waudo siganga <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Budget & ICT > To: "John Walubengo" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 2:03 PM > Hello Walu - When will you have the report of your last > discussion on > PPP? And will that be used somewhere and by who? My > experience with > discussions (and this is from a number of lists) is that > some people > with possible good ideas may not be motivated to > contrribute if they > feel their views have no chance of changing anything or > making any > difference. > > Waudo > > > > > On Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:55:32 -0700 (PDT), "John > Walubengo" > <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> said: > > hi Bill, > > > > i owe u and others this belated reply. we have in > store quite a number of > > suggested discussions planned as per the last > communication - eCommerce > > (or now ICT?) Bill, Internet Governance, Kenyan ICT > indicators, etc. > > > > the truth of the matter is that we need more > moderators so that we can > > share out this load. Any interested/prospective > e-moderator is asked to > > email me their expression of interest (forward to > jwalu(a)yahoo.com and NOT > > the list i.e dont jst hit reply since that will > broadcas/spam your > > interest). > > > > walu. > > > > > > --- On Fri, 6/13/08, Bill Kagai > <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > From: Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> > > > Subject: [kictanet] Budget & ICT > > > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > > > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > > Date: Friday, June 13, 2008, 10:35 AM > > > Walu, > > > Why don't you start a debate on the budget > and ICT; > > > vs. Education > > > vs Business > > > vs Roads/Constructions...basically ICT in all > sectors of > > > the economy. > > > > > > Any new opportunities??? at least to help us set > benchmarks > > > for 2008/9 we > > > can use to measure if we succeeded or not... > > > > > > -- > > > Bildad Kagai > > > MD - MediaCorp Limited > > > Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information > Vendor > > > Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue > > > P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 > > > Nairobi, Kenya > > > Tel. 254 20 272 8332 > > > Fax. Rendered Obsolete > > > S - 1°17'13.8" > > > E - 36°48'22.7" > > > www.mediacorp.co.ke > > > > ---_______________________________________________ > > > 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: emailsignet(a)mailcan.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emailsignet%40mailcan.… > People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people > work (Confucius).

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Budget & ICT
by Bill Kagai 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

Walu, Why don't you start a debate on the budget and ICT; vs. Education vs Business vs Roads/Constructions...basically ICT in all sectors of the economy. Any new opportunities??? at least to help us set benchmarks for 2008/9 we can use to measure if we succeeded or not... -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete S - 1°17'13.8" E - 36°48'22.7" www.mediacorp.co.ke ---

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Kenya BPO Society Launches Standards and Ethics Guidelines
by Rebecca Wanjiku 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

http://www.cio.com/article/407415/Kenya_BPO_Society_Launches_Standards_and_… Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/

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Nairobi BarCamp a resounding success
by Brian Longwe 23 Jun '08

23 Jun '08

It happened last Saturday at the Jacaranda. I arrived late (7pm) and so missed all the good stuff, but was able to catch up with some of the organisers and a few of the bloggers and techies who had stayed behind. Reading up on the updates on the skunkworks blog - http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com/2008/06/digesting-barcamp-nairobi-2008-ju… we have some huge potential and creativity in our midst. Of particular interest to me is the suggestion/proposal to bring a similar grouping together and gather views that will form the basis for a position paper targetting government. It would be even better if we can get some of Kenya's budding Venture Capital / Private Equity community in on the action so that they can begin to learn and understand more about the ICT/tech space.... -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Strathmore University ICT Conference 2008 call for papers
by John Matogo 23 Jun '08

23 Jun '08

Dear colleagues and friends, For your information in case you had not seen it, do take note of the call for papers at this link: http://www.strathmore.edu/ictconference/2008/index.html Pass this on to others who may be interested. Regards, John Matogo Strathmore University Nairobi, KENYA ________________________________ Strathmore University provides all-round education in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for use by the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email and/or any files attached to it from your computer. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Strathmore University. The University accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use of this email and/or its attachments. The University warrants neither the integrity of the e-mail nor its freedom from errors, viruses, interception or any other form of interference.

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Policy Issue Briefs: Key activities the ICANN community will be working on during the Paris meeting
by alice wanjira 22 Jun '08

22 Jun '08

Posted on ICANN's website at <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/> are /Policy Issue Briefs/ <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/> about some of the key activities the ICANN community is working on in Paris and beyond: Domain Name Monetization <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/domain-name-monetization-jun08.pdf> Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/internationalized-domain-names-jun08.pdf> New gTLDs <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/new-gtlds-jun08.pdf> WHOIS <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/whois-jun08.pdf> /Policy Issue Briefs/ <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/> are basic introductions to important areas of Internet policy development that are being addressed by the ICANN community's bottom-up, consensus based, policymaking structure. They are designed and written by ICANN Policy Staff to accommodate newcomers to ICANN, as well as ICANN issue veterans who may desire basic information on an unfamiliar issue. Translated versions of all /Issue Briefs/ will be available soon online. We would appreciate your suggestions of additional topics for future /Policy Issue Briefs <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/> -- /please send them to /policy-staff(a)icann.org <mailto:[email protected]>. /Comments on the substance of these /Issue Briefs/ is also welcome and should be sent to the same email address. We encourage people to go beyond these brief introductions (if they are not involved in these issues) and learn more about the work of the ICANN community. To facilitate this, links to information on current Policy development activities are provided in the left side-bar of this webpage <http://www.icann.org/policy/briefs/>, and we have included in each /Issue Brief/ URLs to additional information. We also invite you to receive regular updates on ICANN policy development activities via e-mail by subscribing to the monthly / //Policy Updates <http://www.icann.org/topics/policy/>/ (previous /Updates/ <http://www.icann.org/topics/policy/> can be found at <http://www.icann.org/topics/policy/>). To subscribe, simply visit the ICANN Subscription page <http://www.icann.org/newsletter/> at <http://icann.org/newsletter/>, enter your e-mail address, and then click on /ICANN Policy Update/. Thank you for your interest and participation in ICANN policy development. Regards, Denise Michel ICANN VP, Policy policy-staff(a)icann.org <mailto:[email protected]>

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 13, Issue 37
by Gilda Odera 20 Jun '08

20 Jun '08

Hi, Did I miss an email giving details of where to access the Master Plan or has it not been availed? Kind regards, Gilda Odera Managing Director Skyweb Technologies Ltd Tel: 254-20-2711446/2711760 Fax: 254-20-2713934 URL:www.skyweb.co.ke ----- Original Message ----- From: <kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: "Gilda Odera" <godera(a)skyweb.co.ke> Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 12:00 PM Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 13, Issue 37 > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Kenya's new registry system (wesley kiriinya) > 2. Re: ICT Master Plan debate (pwere(a)cascadegl.com) > 3. Policy Issue Briefs: Key activities the ICANN community will > be working on during the Paris meeting (alice wanjira) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:26:46 -0700 (PDT) > From: wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya's new registry system > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Message-ID: <575580.74948.qm(a)web34701.mail.mud.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Security was 1 of the items I talked about. There is a thin line between > security being used as a wrong excuse not to implement a system and where > it's a real concern. > > Anyway if all appropriate measures have been taken then it's OK. As I > said, I appreciate that effort by the Gvmnt. > > --- On Thu, 6/19/08, Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya's new registry system > To: kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 11:48 AM > > I would like to balance this discussion by pointing out a historical > fact..... > > Due to "security" concerns our country was held back from a liberalised > telecoms industry for years. > > There were a lot of misplaced fears which originated from blanket > generalisations of new technology and a fear of loss of control by the > powers that be. > > > When I set up KIXP at the end of 2000, it was shut down within two weeks > because Telkom Kenya insinuated that it presented a national security > risk. It took us one whole year to educate, enlighten and lobby almost > every component of the Executive in order to get KIXP re-opened. > > > Today it is considered a 'national resource' and KRA even wants to have it > gazetted so that it can receive 24-hour physical security since it plays > such an integral part of Kenya's economy. > > I am not saying that we should blind ourselves to the consideration of > security concerns, just that it is very easy to further delays innovation > and development with hyped up discussions about security (or more > appropriately insecurity). > > > best, > > Brian > > -- > Brian Munyao Longwe > e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com > cell: + 254 722 518 744 > blog : zinjlog.blogspot.com > > > On Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 11:40 PM, Judy Okite <judyokite(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Gentlemen, > > all your arguments are in place.....unfortunately we do not have a cyber > crime law in place nor a data privacy law...(subject to be > corrected)....so before we go very far.....we need to make Kenyans > understand.... > > > > 1. What is personal/private data?....very few understand that and why it > may need to be protected... > > 2. what are the implications of the data,that this, system will hold, in > the hands of a third party?...from here...we can ask for a document for > public scrutiny.....what security measures...are in place...etc > > > > > Kind Regards, > > > On Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM, <tyrus(a)icsit.jkuat.ac.ke> wrote: > > > Wesley, > > I totally agree with you on this point. > > > > Its one thing to set up a system where you will have citizens access their > > details and its another entirely different thing to ensure its security is > > not compromised. Even as these guys come up with this revolutionary > > system, am sure they have security in mind and even more importantly have > > taken the necessary steps to ensuring that its not compromised. What I > > always have qualms with as you are well aware of in skunkworks, is the > > reluctance by the developers or system operators to provide room for > > Independent Penetration Testing. Granted this is not a panacea for > > hack-proofing the system but will make the system devoid of common > > vulnerabilities like what we saw in the ipo website. > > > > In America, identity theft has occurred even on their secure servers alike > > but if you look at the frequency, its relatively low since tests are > > carried out on the system very often and when loop holes are discovered > > relevant authorities are informed. > > > > > > Its a very novel idea the Government is pursuing but even as we speak > > there are notable Govt bodies whose IT infrastructure's security is very > > sketchy. If there was a dedicated body in the ICT Board to dedicatedly > > look into security issues regarding IT growth and implementation, I guess > > there would be standards set even when putting a very basic implementation > > like a web-site. > > > > Regards, > > > > "fyodor" > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: judyokite(a)gmail.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/judyokite%40gmail.com > > > > > > > -- > > 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. > ' > Martin Luther King, Jr. > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: blongwe(a)gmail.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/blongwe%40gmail.com > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kiriinya2000%40yahoo.c… > > > >

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ICT Master Plan debate
by Wainaina Mungai 20 Jun '08

20 Jun '08

>From submissions so far; 1. There is a draft Master plan with a summary in circulation. 2. There is a general feeling that ICT projects are being implemented in a disjointed manner. 3. The Ministry of Info&Comm. under Dr. Ndemo's leadership, has made commendable progress in the ICT arena. 4. Alot of work remains to be done, including the finalisation of a comprehensive Master Plan through a consultative process and honest positions by all stakeholders. 5. The failure of Parliament to pass ICT-related Bills should be a concern for all stakeholders (esp. the Media who had complaints about the cross-ownership clause) and not an opportunity to shoot the messenger. 6. We have come a long way from the days of fighting (with policymakers/govt) for an National ICT Policy and must now shift gears to a complemetary approach. That is the respectful way to go about this debate as alluded to by Lucy. 7. Now, could the Ministry/PS kindly circulate electronic versions of draft documents for a more informed discussion on this list? That should put some flesh on this skeleton we have so far overworked. Good day, Wainaina -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-3590451 Cel: +254-722-811171 Cel: +254-735-370840 www.madeinkenya.org www.bungesms.com www.pamonet.org

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya's new registry system
by tyrus＠icsit.jkuat.ac.ke 19 Jun '08

19 Jun '08

Wesley, I totally agree with you on this point. Its one thing to set up a system where you will have citizens access their details and its another entirely different thing to ensure its security is not compromised. Even as these guys come up with this revolutionary system, am sure they have security in mind and even more importantly have taken the necessary steps to ensuring that its not compromised. What I always have qualms with as you are well aware of in skunkworks, is the reluctance by the developers or system operators to provide room for Independent Penetration Testing. Granted this is not a panacea for hack-proofing the system but will make the system devoid of common vulnerabilities like what we saw in the ipo website. In America, identity theft has occurred even on their secure servers alike but if you look at the frequency, its relatively low since tests are carried out on the system very often and when loop holes are discovered relevant authorities are informed. Its a very novel idea the Government is pursuing but even as we speak there are notable Govt bodies whose IT infrastructure's security is very sketchy. If there was a dedicated body in the ICT Board to dedicatedly look into security issues regarding IT growth and implementation, I guess there would be standards set even when putting a very basic implementation like a web-site. Regards, "fyodor"

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FW: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] ICT BACKBONE: A solution in search of a problem or is it just a white elephant?
by Harry Hare 19 Jun '08

19 Jun '08

Dear Colleagues, As we await our own FON, there could be some lessons from this experience. One year after the commissioning of the government funded terrestrial fibre optic network in Tanzania, the network has remained relatively idle. Some basic business fundamentals could have been ignored or assumed. Read on. Harry From: eThinkTankTz(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rama Mwikalo Sent: 17 June 2008 00:36 To: ethinktanktz(a)yahoogroups.com Subject: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] ICT BACKBONE: A solution in search of a problem or is it just a white elephant? National ICT Optical Fiber Backbone: Is this a solution in search of a problem or just a white elephant? It is a sad indictment of the current state of the ICT backbone infrastructure when a newly commissioned ultra-modern optical fiber system is sitting idle with absolutely no customers; zero. This may sound like an exaggeration but it is not a very big one! Apart from the standard internal and management traffic required to keep the system chugging and humming along, there are practically no paying customers to speak of on the system. The old adage, some may say myth, that says “if you build it, they will come” was probably taken too literally by the companies that decided to invest their hard-earned T-shillings in the ICT optical fiber infrastructure. The system has been idle ever since it was officially commissioned little over a year ago, according to Charles Makakala – a member and regular contributor to the Tanzania e-Think Tank online discussion group. All we can say is that whatever business plan was used to justify this investment, it was not a plan for spiking the ball on the 20 yard - to use an American football metaphor. By all accounts, what has been implemented is an ultra-modern state of the art transmission system based on the latest high capacity DWDM (Dense Wave Division Multiplexing) fiber optics technology. According to Mr Makakala, the system has been deployed across nine regional traffic hubs including some smaller towns, and it has an estimated transport capacity of nearly 4 Gigabit per second. Just so we all know, this represents enough bandwidth to carry up to 400 times the current voice traffic generated by all major mobile phone operators namely, Vodacom, Celtel, Tigo and Zantel. It would have been hilarious if it weren’t downright cruel for these well-meaning folks to have invested so much to achieve so little. This is undoubtedly an important national venture and the service is desperately needed for the development of our country, so what went wrong? No one could have expected – not by any stretch of imagination – that in a country that still requires more ICT investment – not less – there would be a glut of data transmission bandwidth sitting idle and begging for customers but there are no takers. In the meantime, Tanzanians of all shapes and stripes are burdened with one of the highest and out-of-reach telecommunication service tariffs in Africa. Needless to say, there is a huge disconnect; it makes very little sense and clearly deserves a detailed examination and analysis. Considering the way things have turned out, perhaps we should begin by speculating or asking what was the business plan that was used to justify the implementation the optical fiber infrastructure that has been deployed and commissioned? Who were the targeted customers and were they consulted to determine what it would take to get them on board as paying customers? These are basic market research questions… If the ICT backbone was built hoping “customers will come”, well we should not be surprised now that the chickens are coming home to roost and the outcome is so dramatically different from the investors expectations not to mention prayers. Some of the basic and fundamental market research and analysis questions that should have been asked are: § Who are likely to be the major customers for the optical fiber super-highway and where are they geographically located? § What are they planning to use the optical fiber bandwidth for? § How much aggregate bandwidth is need and, more importantly, where is that bandwidth needed? § What special interfaces are needed by the customers? § What kind of problems are these “potential customers” currently experiencing that the optical fiber infrastructure would be ideally suited to solve? § How much are they expecting and willing to pay for the bandwidth in order to subscribe to the new service? § What other competing technologies are available and how much are they paying today? We can delve a little deeper into some of these questions a little later to try to come up with possible answers that may be helpful feedback into the next ICT infrastructure project whether privately or publicly funded. As a way of illustrations, I am planning to use broadband internet access, mobile phone and triple-play which are considered to be the “killer applications” (to employ an overused term) for the national fiber infrastructure. I will also say a few words about the appropriateness (or lack thereof) of assigning the management of a government funded ICT optical fiber backbone to TTCL. Since I am not employed by any of these companies I can afford not to take sides in the proverbial “mwamba ngoma” tradition. I get chills down my spine when I hear that the mobile phone companies are among the targeted customers for this government funded initiative in which TTCL is the designated operator. Last time I checked, TTCL was still competing against the very customers it is supposed to serve! God help us should, in the unlikely event, the system encounter a catastrophic failure, a possibility that cannot be ruled out; would TTCL be expected to give top priority to its own mobile phone customers over its competitors or are they likely to be fair and even-handed? And so we bear witness to the specter of the least successful mobile phone service provider trying to bail out its more successful competitors! It takes two leaps of faith to believe that TTCL will be even-handed and quite frankly, I am not at all surprised why the targeted customers appear to be dragging their feet. The business model needs to be revisited. And as I said earlier, I intend to address this issue and others in a follow up contribution. Rama Mwikalo Technology Consultant Silicon Valley, California, USA (512) 947-7668 __._,_.___ Messages <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/message/12519;_ylc=X3oDMTM2M2Jxb…> in this topic (1) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxaGluNTQ5BF9TAz…> Reply (via web post) | Start <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlNGdpOTllBF9TAz…> a new topic Messages <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZWg3cnRjBF…> | Files <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJmMDV1dmwzBF9TA…> | Photos <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJlb3Iwb3YzBF9T…> | Links <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmbDQ1dDRkBF9TA…> | Database <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/database;_ylc=X3oDMTJjazhsczJlBF…> | Polls <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJmdnNxamJyBF9TA…> | Members <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJlNWdhYm0yBF9…> | Calendar <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNDlsZ2s4BF…> Anyone who would like to join eThinkTankTz is welcome to do so by sending a blank email to: eThinkTankTz-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com MARKETPLACE _____ You <http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=13r3ednhb/M=624381.12730922.13032918.10835568/D…> rock! 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