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Fwd: CIPESA Commentary writing competition: publication plus $100 cash prize
by Brian Longwe 29 Sep '05

29 Sep '05

Begin forwarded message: > > > Commentary Writing Competition > A competition to support writers and encourage reflection on > international > ICT policies that affect East and Southern Africa > > COLLABORATION ON INTERNATIONAL ICT POLICY FOR EAST & SOUTHERN > AFRICA (CIPESA) > -------------------------------------------- > > CIPESA commentaries are short informative articles or essays on > current > issues affecting East and Southern African stakeholders. They focus > specifically on international policy-making processes related to > information and communications technology (ICT), and the use of ICT > for > poverty reduction. Commentaries present basic facts, explain points of > tension, and highlight areas of concern, and they stir discussion by > presenting strong views and raising provocative questions. The > objective is > to spark thinking and dialog around the topic, rather than just to > present > expert opinions in an authoritative way. Commentaries are > disseminated via > the CIPESA website and our Stakeholders email list, and > readers are encouraged to respond to the points raised by submitting > comments that are also published. > > COMMENTARY WRITING COMPETITION > We are holding this writing competition to spur writers from the > East and > Southern African region to share their perspectives on the issues and > initiate discussion and debate. > > => Eligible participants must be from countries that fall within the > CIPESA mandate (see list below). > => Participants are invited to submit 2-3 page articles on one of the > themes listed below. > => Our panel of judges will select 5 winners. > => The winning articles will be edited by a CIPESA staff member > who will > work with each author to fine-tune the piece, and the final > commentary will > be published on the CIPESA website and newslist by the end of the > year. > => In addition to publication, the 5 winners will receive a $100 > cash prize. > > Deadline for submissions is 15 October 2005. > Winners will be announced 30 October 2005. > > PARAMETERS FOR SUBMISSIONS > Themes to choose from: > * Interconnection costs for telecommunications and Internet > * Intellectual property rights > * Harmonization of e-government strategies in view of regional blocks > (such as the East African Community or Southern Africa Development > Cooperation) > * Trade agreements and ICT in the context of the World Trade > Organization > > CIPESA countries include: Angola, Botswana, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, > Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, > Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, > Zambia, > Zimbabwe > > The following tips can greatly increase your article's chances of > winning: > * Use a catchy title that frames the main point or question of > your article > * Make the first paragraph a good summary of the rest of the article > * Explain the background to the issues before launching into > opinions on > them > * Include appropriate references to the work or opinions of others > that > have informed your views > * Describe points of controversy or disagreement > * Raise unresolved questions > * Try not to write in the first-person voice using "I" or "we" > > The criteria we will use for judging winners: > * Issue has a direct impact on East and Southern Africa stakeholders > * Issue is relevant to the field of information and communications > technology policy > * Issue is timely and falls within the context of the designated > themes > * Article has an international dimension > * Argument is presented well with flow from one point to the next > * Grammar and writing style is appropriate to a commentary format > > To submit commentaries or for more information contact: > Vincent Waiswa Bagiire > Email: vincent(a)cipesa.org > > The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East & Southern > Africa > (CIPESA) is an initiative to help Africans to better understand the > policy-making processes that affect them, especially in the area of > ICT and > development. Our objectives are to raise awareness about key issues, > provide useful information to assist African participation in > policy-making, and stir debate by sparking discussion and convening > productive gatherings. Decision-making related to the use of ICT for > poverty reduction is a primary area of interest. > > CIPESA was established under the Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa > (CATIA) initiative, funded by the UK Department for International > Development. CIPESA is a program of bridges.org. > > For more information see www.cipesa.org. > > -------------------------------------------- > Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East & Southern > Africa (CIPESA) > Plot 30, Bukoto Street, Kamwokya, P.O. Box 26970 Kampala - Uganda > Tel: +256 31 280073, +256 41 533057, +256 41 533054, Website: > www.cipesa.org > >

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from WIPO general assembly proceedings..
by Emmanuel Njenga 29 Sep '05

29 Sep '05

Hello all, Just reporting back of a detour from the WSIS process where I went to the WIPO Meeting General Assembly: today (29/09/2005 3.30 - 4.30 pm) The main focus of the meeting is around the ICG ( intergovernmental committee) on Intellectual property, Genetic Resources, Traditional-Indigenous knowledge and folklore. The relevant document under discussion was WO/GA/32/7 - and can be found on the WIPO website. Among some of the items discussed is the extension of the intergovernmental committee (IGC) tenure to continue its work for two more years in keeping with its present mandate. Most governments seem to support this statement. There is also the issues of establishment of a voluntary fund to support participation of indigenous communities to attend relevant decision making forum. Many governments delegates presented statements with regard to these issues.. I just noted some of items from the statement presented by Kenya. ---- That a consultation process/committee was set up under the office of the Attorney General regarding the development of policies on intellectual property, genetic resources, traditional -indigenous knowledge, culture e.t.c...The outcomes of this process will be expected to present its results at the end of the year. The consultation process/committee is comprised of a multi stakeholder process with govt, private sector and NGOs - civil society. ---- It would be good for all interested to follow up regarding this process, interact with those involved and especially find out which civil society organizations/NGOs and thus participate in the process to make contributions on the policy development. Regards, Njenga

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New Strategies for MSP in Kenya
by Wainaina Mungai 29 Sep '05

29 Sep '05

Heres a clarification from someone else in the fraternity. It may guide our discussion on what is the real issue. QUOTE: Kenya is coming from situation where communication services have been provided by a monopoly - consequently most of the MSP including the civil society were involved with lobbying the Government to liberalize the telecommunication sector. Here is the transition: Liberalization has now happened! The next phase is to ensure the protection of consumers in a competitive environment. I therefore feel that MSP need to change strategies. Firstly there are no active communication consumer lobby groups in Kenya...this I believe could constitute the new role for civil society! Secondly, MSP should be lobbying relevant organisation to reduce communication costs, this would include telecommunication operators, service providers and government agencies. END QUOTE -- Technical and Product Development Manager Oneworld International 4th Floor, Kimathi House Nairobi. Kenya. Tel: +254-20-316800 Fax: +254-20-241920 ----- Free SMSNews4theDEAF: SMS the text DEAF ON to the number 560 and you will receive FREE SMS News on issues relevant to people who are deaf or have Hearing Impairment. To stop the messages, send DEAF OFF to the number 560.

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[Fwd: <incom> MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIPS – LESSONS FROM THE KENYA ICT FRATERNITY!!]
by Dorcas Muthoni 29 Sep '05

29 Sep '05

I think we should sit together first and iron out our local issues before broadcasting them to the world. I am sorry but i feel disapponted when we fail to see that any positive change will come from our own efforts, not by fighting each other, but listening to our different opinions. Regards, Muthoni

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RE: List Merger/amalgamation
by Wainaina Mungai 29 Sep '05

29 Sep '05

My question to Mucheru & Florence is why should KIPlist continue to exist in any form (kiplist.or.ke or other) if as was initially suggested, it could be absorbed into KICTANet as the KIP project has come to an end in 3 weeks? Wouldn't that progress the duplication? Or is it that KICTANet should be absorbed into KIPList and not the other way round? Forgive my ignorance but I thought we were all working to build KICTANet and I fail to see why we cannot just move KIP into KICTANet and move on. Wainaina

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Using Yahoo mail within your usual eMail client?
by Alex Gakuru 29 Sep '05

29 Sep '05

Hi, Ever needed to use you yahoo mail in your usual client seamlessly? · YPOPs! and IncrediMail Xe (40650 Reads) · YPOPs! and Calypso 3.x (6085 Reads) · YPOPs! and Outlook 2003 (42794 Reads) · YPOPs! and Mozilla Mail (60975 Reads) · YPOPs! and nPOP (10073 Reads) · YPOPs! and Outlook Express (217579 Reads) · YPOPs! and Outlook XP (140911 Reads) · YPOPs! and Forte Agent News/Mail Reader v1.93 (2802 Reads) · YPOPs! and Outlook 2000 (76728 Reads) · YPOPs! and Pegasus Mail 3.12c (7124 Reads) · YPOPs! and Eudora 5.x (19735 Reads) · YPOPs! and Lotus Notes R6 (6355 Reads) · YPOPs! and Netscape Mail 4.x (12888 Reads) · YPOPs! and Outlook Express 6 (78646 Reads) · YPOPs! and Opera M2 (8945 Reads) · YPOPs! and Mozilla Thunderbird (27880 Reads) OS Versions: Linux (4) Linux versions of YahooPOPs! These are currently delivered in source form. Mac OS (2) YahooPOPs! for Mac OS. Source Code (2) Source code downloads Sun Solaris (1) Sun Solaris version of YahooPOPs! Windows (2) Win32 versions of YahooPOPs! These versions will work on Windows 9x, Me, NT 4.0, 2000 and XP. An opensource program with very small memory footprint is available here http://yahoopops.sourceforge.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=… Regards, Alex

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Re: List Merger/amalgamation
by Joseph Mucheru 28 Sep '05

28 Sep '05

Dear Florence, Many thanks for taking the time to provide the information as you did. If you remember as TESPOK, we registered the domain name kiplist.or.ke and that is still available for any eventuality. We certainly do not lay claims to that and as you are also aware we also registered and provided the KICTAnet.or.ke list services for FREE to the everyone. I would just like to add that even though Bill has this view that we in private sector were out to get donor funds, this is purely an isolated view and that most people that have interacted with TESPOK know that we have played a partner support role rather than as implied. National ICT issues are not necessarily for only civil society. I therefore strongly feel we need a list where all stakeholders can discuss issues of national interest. As is already stated, each group should have it's own list but we must have a central common list to discuss common issues. be they price or quality of service. The fact that am in private sector (in the Internet business) does not mean I do not have a view on say GSM or other services. I would therefore like to propose an even wilder view - let us get use one list that is Kenyan based kiplist.or.ke and get that hosted by KENIC who are the closest thing to a truly multi-stakeholder body. The list should also be moderated by KENIC - Sorry Victor/Michuki for not consulting you first. This way KICTANet can continue with it's advocacy activities. My two cents worth. -- Joseph Mucheru Chairman Telecommunications Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK) 14th Floor, Bruce House - Standard Street P O Box 27589 -00506 Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254-20-245036 Cell: +254-722522135 Http://www.tespok.co.ke On 27 Sep 2005, at 19:23, Bill Kagai wrote: > Dear Florence, > > I also salute you for taking time to respond to the queries > raised...(mostly mine). > The bottom line unfortunately remains that Civil Society was > short-changed by 3 factors; > 1. Inactive CS leaders who we feel have to go and a new crop to > take over. > 2. Some stakeholders mostly private sector organisations masquerading > as civil society domineering and sucking CS organisations out of the > process. > 3. Lack of support (mostly donor funds) which went to the > organisations mentioned in (2) and thus rendering real Civil Society > inactive. > > All the same I'm happy it is all out in the open and hope > recommendations suggested on improving the Civil Society sector will > be taken seriously in the projects currently being developed. We look > forward to Wainaina leading Civil Society into true engagement in the > multistakeholder activities. > > Guess mine was to 'inspire then expire'. > > -- > With Kind Regards, > Bildad Kagai > CEO - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd > Coordinator - Free Software & Open Source Foundation for Africa > (FOSSFA) > Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue > P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 > Nairobi, Kenya > Tel. 254 20 2728332 > Fax. 254 20 2726965 > Cell. 254 722 379409 > E. fossfa(a)gmail.com > URL. www.fossfa.net > > --- > Submitted by: Bildad Kagia <billkagai(a)gmail.com> 2005-09-27 > 12:27:59 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [mucheru(a)wananchi.com] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist- > cl-99183W(a)lyris.idrc.ca > > !DSPAM:43397228375961234514069! > >

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$100 Laptop moves closer to reality
by Brian Longwe 28 Sep '05

28 Sep '05

The $100 laptop moves closer to reality Published: September 28, 2005, 8:55 AM PDT By Mike Ricciuti Staff Writer, CNET News.com CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--A low-cost computer for the masses moved one step closer to reality on Wednesday. Nicholas Negroponte, the co-founder of the Media Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, detailed specifications for a $100 windup-powered laptop targeted at children in developing nations. Negroponte, who laid out his original proposal at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, said MIT and his nonprofit group, called One Laptop Per Child, is in discussions with five countries--Brazil, China, Thailand, Egypt and South Africa--to distribute up to 15 million test systems to children. In addition, Massachusetts is working with MIT on a plan to distribute the laptops to schoolchildren, Negroponte said. "This is the most important thing I have ever done in my life," Negroponte said on Wednesday during a presentation at Technology Review's Emerging Technologies Conference at MIT. "Reception has been incredible. The idea is simple. It's an education project, not a laptop project. If we can make education better--particularly primary and secondary schools--it will be a better world." He said a goal of the project is to make the low-cost PC idea a grassroots movement that will spread in popularity, like the Linux operating system or the Wikipedia free online encyclopedia. "This is open-source education. It's a big issue." Negroponte said the idea is that governments will pay roughly $100 for the laptops and will distribute them for free to students. The proposed design of the machines calls for a 500MHz processor, 1GB of memory and an innovative dual-mode display that can be used in full-color mode, or in a black-and-white sunlight-readable mode. The display makes the laptop "both an electronic book and a laptop," he said. One display design being considered is a flat, flexible printed display developed at MIT's Media Lab. Negroponte said the technology can be used to produce displays that cost roughly 10 cents per square inch. "The target is $12 for a 12-inch display with near-zero power consumption," he said. Power for the new systems will be provided through either conventional electric current, batteries or by a windup crank attached to the side of the notebooks, since many countries targeted by the plan do not have power in remote areas, Negroponte said. The machines, which will run a version of the Linux operating system, will also include other applications, some developed by MIT researchers, as well as country-specific software. "Software has gotten too fat and unreliable, so we started with Linux," he said. For connectivity, the systems will be Wi-Fi- and cell phone-enabled, and will include four USB ports, along with built-in "mesh networking," a peer-to-peer concept that allows machines to share a single Internet connection. "In emerging nations, the issue is not connectivity," Negroponte said. "That was the issue, but there are many people working on it, (thanks to) global competitiveness. But for education, the roadblock is the laptop." Five companies are working with MIT to develop an initial 5 million to 15 million test units within the year: Google, Advanced Micro Devices, News Corp., Red Hat and BrightStar, Negroponte said. He said the current plan is to produce 100 million to 150 million units by 2007. Negroponte admits that his goals are ambitious. Currently, the world production of laptops is just under 50 million, he said. While the initial goal of the project is to work with governments, Negroponte said MIT is considering licensing the design or giving it to a third-party company to build commercial versions of the PC. "Those might be available for $200, and $20 or $30 will come back to us to make the kids' laptops. We're still working on that," he said. Others have launched low-cost PC ideas in the past, though MIT's project may be the most ambitious. Last year, Advanced Micro Devices announced plans for its Personal Internet Connector--a prototype with a price tag of at least $185, with no display. And an Indian company called Novatium said it plans to offer a stripped-down home computer for about $70 or $75. In addition, Microsoft's antipiracy-minded Steve Ballmer last year called for a move toward the $100 PC for developing nations.

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What is civil society?
by Wainaina Mungai 28 Sep '05

28 Sep '05

1. Definition on BBC 'A civil society is a public space between the state, the market and the ordinary household, in which people can debate and tackle action'. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/people/highlights/010705_civil.shtml 2. Definition by Centre for Civil Society Civil society refers to the arena of uncoerced collective action around shared interests, purposes and values. In theory, its institutional forms are distinct from those of the state, family and market, though in practice, the boundaries between state, civil society, family and market are often complex, blurred and negotiated. Civil society commonly embraces a diversity of spaces, actors and institutional forms, varying in their degree of formality, autonomy and power. Civil societies are often populated by organisations such as registered charities, development non-governmental organisations, community groups, women's organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, trades unions, self-help groups, social movements, business associations, coalitions and advocacy group. (LSE Centre for Civil Society - http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/CCS/what_is_civil_society.htm ) 3. Definition from DfID http://www.dfid.gov.uk/aboutdfid/intheuk/workwithcs/cs-how-to-work-what. asp

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FW: [governance] ALERT: new "terrorist" paragraph 50bis introduced
by Wainaina Mungai 28 Sep '05

28 Sep '05

FYI: Here's part of what is going on in Geneva....terrorism seems to have found it's way into the discussions and might find it's way into the final documents. WM -----Original Message----- From: governance-bounces(a)lists.cpsr.org [mailto:governance-bounces@lists.cpsr.org] On Behalf Of Ralf Bendrath Sent: 28 September 2005 18:40 To: wsis-cs-plenary; WSIS Internet Governance Caucus Subject: [governance] ALERT: new "terrorist" paragraph 50bis introduced Hi all, a disturbing development occured this afternoon: In the working group chaired by Canada from 13:30-15:00, Isreael at the very end introduced a new paragraph proposal (50bis). Other delegations said they have to consult before discussing it, and they will discuss it this evening, I think. The paragraph reads: "New 50bis. We underline the importance of countering the manifestations of terrorism at all its forms in the Internet. In particular, we condemn the use of the internet for purposes of financing of terrorist acts, radicalization towards terrorist acts, recruitment for terrorist acts, and glorification of terrorist acts that may incite further terrorist acts." The Privacy & Security Working Group and the Human Rights Caucus will issue a statement this evening. But in the meantime, talk to your delegations and tell them we don't like this at all. As much as we hate terrorism - formulations like "glorification" etc. are way too ambigous and vague and may easily lead to restrictions of freedom of speech. Best, Ralf PS: The drafting group was open to observers for the whole time, but I did not ask for the floor. _______________________________________________ governance mailing list governance(a)lists.cpsr.org https://ssl.cpsr.org/mailman/listinfo/governance

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KICTANet list & KIPlist
by Wainaina Mungai 28 Sep '05

28 Sep '05

Dear All, This is my request that we all take some time and restore an objective structure to the discussions on the future of KIPlist. I believe we have a general agreement that the subscribers from KIPlist be combined with KICTANet subscribers. I suggest we move KIPList subscribers to the KICTANet list and move on to other issues. The reason for this is that KIP project comes to an end in the next three weeks so we may all work within the "action" network from 18th of October. Does this settle the issues? Other valid issues have arisen from the discussion that we could discuss separately after finalizing the migration of KIP members into KICTANet. These issues include: 1. What is the role of the different stakeholders (CS, private sector, govt, donors)? 2. KICTANet is a 'multistakeholder' forum which has the support of civil society organisations but should not necessarily be considered to represent the views of Civil Society. 3. We need to nurture trust between stakeholders so that the suspicion on positioning or fighting for funds does not come to play. 4. We need more NGO/CBO involvement in the ICT process/forums. Thus civil society needs to regroup and become more effective in advocating issues of social justice, grassroot implementation etc. 5. My role (and that of other individuals/organisations) within the civil society caucus will be discussed with members of the civil society and the multisectoral forum will be updated accordingly. Regards, Wainaina -------------------------------- Oneworld International 4th Floor, Kimathi House Nairobi. [SMS4theDEAF] : If you have hearing impairment or are deaf, type the words DEAF ON and send to the number 560 on your Safaricom line. You will then receive free News alerts via SMS. To stop receiving the news, please send DEAF OFF.

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Fwd: Africa Source II Announcement
by Florence Etta 27 Sep '05

27 Sep '05

>FYI > > > >====================================================================== > > > >Africa Source II - Free and Open Source Software for Local Communities > >Kalangala, Uganda - Jan 08-Jan 15, 2006 > > > >Africa Source II will be an eight day hands-on workshop aimed at > >building the technical skills of those working with NGOs on the > >continent. It will take place in one of the most beautiful parts of the > >Kalangala Island on Victoria Lake during the beginning of January 2006. > > > >Africa Source II will bring together more than 100 NGOs and NGO > >technology support professionals working at the local level across the > >region, together with a handful of field leaders from Africa, Europe, > >North America and Asia. Africa Source II will be a free and open source > >software (FOSS) event. It's primary goal will be to increase the > >practical use of FOSS desktop applications and tools amongst the non > >profit sector in Africa. > > > >Specifically, Africa Source II will focus on how Free and Open Source > >Software (FOSS) can be integrated into the mission-critical work of > >NGO's. We will be bringing together nearly 100 NGO Support Professionals > >and NGO Staff from across Africa to learn new skills, exchange tips, and > >share experiences. All participants will have a history of work with > >service and advocacy NGOs, educational organisations, NGO resource > >centres, community centres and health information organisations. > > > >Participants with a range of experience will learn from one another > >about how FOSS can help make their NGO's more efficient, build capacity > >and assure that they are complying with software licensing laws. They > >will be given an opportunity to develop their understanding of FOSS, > >including exploring the challenges and the future potential of FOSS > >adoption. There will be a range of sessions for participants to take > >part in and will include: > > > > * How to help NGO's plan for, migrate to and adopt FOSS applications > > * How to use FOSS applications to handle information, publish > > content using citizen's media tools and engage constituency > > * How FOSS can increase accessibility through localization, > > translation into local language and dialects > > > >During these sessions participants will get an opportunity to learn from > >peers about how FOSS has impacted their work through case studies and > >skill shares. The workshops will be lead by a range of facilitators from > >the respective region with strong experience in deploying free and open > >source solutions and of working in the non-profit sector. They will be > >joined by a handful of others with relevant experiences from developing > >and transition countries, as well as a select number of leaders in from > >specific fields > > > >The camp will focus on learning by doing, rather than by listening. We > >aim for a "workshop vibe" as opposed to a "conference vibe"; we hope > >that elements like the location, shared housing, and the nature of the > >sessions keep the energy level high and the interest in active > >participation over passive learning strong. Like other source events, > >Africa Source II will be intentionally designed to foster community > >building, this creates an atmosphere conducive to learning, but more > >importantly is essential if longer term relationships are to be built. > > > >Building on the previous Africa Source event (Namibia, March 2004), > >which brought together African FOSS developers working in the social > >sector, Africa Source II will work at the next level to bring together > >those working at the complimentary intermediary level. Besides new > >ideas, skills and contacts that participants will gain they will also > >leave the workshop equipped with an event specific version of > >NGO-in-a-box, a collection of Free and Open Source Software that will be > >relevant to their work. > > > >The Association for Progressive Communication APC (regional network), > >Fantsuam Foundation (Nigeria), Schoolnet Africa (regional network), > >Translate.org.za, WOUGNET (Uganda) and The Tactical Technology > >Collective (the Netherlands) will collaborate to organise the content of > >the workshop and to build strong relationships between the participants. > >The project partners are committed to examining the challenges of > >implementing FOSS in the African context, stretching its potential to > >fit the needs on the ground, and building local capacities to realise > >this. Our local partners there are East African Center for Open Source > >(EACOSS), Linux Solutions and WOUGNET. > > > >We are able to organise Africa Source II thanks to generous support from > > IDRC - The International Development Research Centre > >(http://www.idrc.ca/) OSI - Open Society Institute Information Program > >(http://www.soros.org/initiatives/information) and OSISA Open Society > >Initiative for South Africa (http://www.osisa.org/) > > > >Previous source events have taken place in Croatia - September 2003, > >Namibia - March 2004 and India - February 2005. As well as in Middle > >East & Northern Africa future source events will take place in Central > >Asia (http://www.tacticaltech.org/fossroad) and Middle East. Interaction > >and learning between these regional events is facilitated through the > >exchange of project models and individual expertise. > > > >For more information please visit http://www.tacticaltech.org/africasource2 > > > >We are now accepting applications! The deadline for sending in > >applications is October 15th, 2005. Please find the form here > >http://www.tacticaltech.org/africasource2/applications > > > >Participants will be selected by the Advisory Group based on their > >interest and experiences. There will be a small registration fee for the > >event. A limited number of travel and registration fee scholarships will > >be available and may be applied for on application. If you would like to > >receive an application form or have any questions please write to > >africasource2(a)tacticaltech.org > >Adel El Zaim >Senior Program Specialist / Administrateur de programme principal >Connectivity Africa-Acacia > >Centre de recherches pour le développement international (CRDI) / >International Development Research Center (IDRC) >ICT4D >aelzaim(a)idrc.org.eg >Le Caire, Égypte / Cairo, Egypt > > >--- >You are currently subscribed to acacia-admin-cl as: [FEtta(a)idrc.or.ke] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-acacia-admin-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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RE: List Merger/amalgamation
by Wainaina Mungai 27 Sep '05

27 Sep '05

Thanks Florence, The bit about KIP coming to an end clarifies the issues for me. In that case, I believe it would be best to transfer the KIP members onto the KICTANet list so that we progress from "Policy" network to an "Action" network. The "action" network can then handle policy issues whenever they arise in future. >KIP is coming to an end, 18th October 2005 and at this moment there are no new activities although discussions are ongoing. These discussion >are in the direction of supporting local institutions. Regards, Wainaina -----Original Message----- From: bounce-kiplist-cl-117112(a)lyris.idrc.ca [mailto:bounce-kiplist-cl-117112@lyris.idrc.ca] On Behalf Of Florence Etta Sent: 27 September 2005 16:12 To: KIPlist Cc: Laurent Elder; Lee Kirkham Subject: List Merger/amalgamation Dear all, I have taken some time to respond to this issue in order to allow as many people as possible to put forward their opinions. Now let me try to respond to each of the charges, issues, questions or queries. But before this let me thank all the people who have responded for their suggestions etc. Let me also remind others who may be seeing this for the first time what this is all about. The original issue was a question that I put to the list yesterday regarding whether or not there is merit in merging two discussion lists: KIPlist and KICTAnet list. KIPlist is a tool of the Kenya ICT Policy Project funded by IDRC and implemented by the Ministry of Planning and National Development and the Office of the President. The co-ordination of this project is located within IDRC. The list (KIPList) is intended to keep a wide range of stakeholders (government, private sector, civil society, intonational development) in the policy process informed of the goings on that have a bearing on ICT policy processes. List members are located in Africa, Canada, UK, Sweden, Australia, to mention a few. Alex has described KICTANet well so it is unnecessary to rehash this here. Now to the responses (in blue italics): Please read this with an open mind. My intention is not to disrupt activities nor discredit people but to try and figure out where the problem in ICT & Civil Society in Kenya lies::: Despite the expressed statement of intention above, this contribution appears to discredit IDRC, CATIA and KICTANet. This is unfair, uncalled for and completely unjustified. 1. Just before the Geneva phase of WSIS 2002, ALIN was mandated to act as secretariat of the Civil Society stakeholders. This task was specifically mandated to James Nguo who has has not called a meeting nor addressed this list for the last two years. As is rightly stated IDRC did make a grant to the Kenya WSIS Civil Society Caucus to support their activities and participation in the Geneva phase of the World Summit on the information Society and this grant is now closed. If the Kenya WSIS Civil Society Caucus has not been active since is it the fault of the KIPlist or KICTANet? 2. Initially, IDRC was a partner supporting various stakeholders including Civil Society. It seems that has changed and IDRC is now part of implementation including guiding policy direction. It is no longer clear if IDRC has its own agenda or it supports the various agendas presented to them in their capacity as focal points of the donor consultative group. The latest proposal to merge the lists to me suggests that IDRC is now an interested party with its own agenda and not what has been proposed to them as donors in broad sense. IDRC's modus operandi has not changed. May I remind all that IDRC's mandate is to generate knowledge for development and capacity development through working with local institutions. In 2003/4 IDRC supported the private sector through KIF and civil society through ARCC both project had to do with support for the ICT policy process. Since 2003 the KIP project has worked with the Ministry of Planning and National Development and the Office of the President in support of the Policy process in Kenya. The request to support this project came from the two government institutions. IDRC does not have an agenda different from supporting those of its partners and any hint that this is otherwise is totally unjustified and in bad taste. 2. Initially, IDRC was a partner supporting various stakeholders including Civil Society. It seems that has changed and IDRC is now part of implementation including guiding policy direction. It is no longer clear if IDRC has its own agenda or it supports the various agendas presented to them in their capacity as focal points of the donor consultative group. The latest proposal to merge the lists to me suggests that IDRC is now an interested party with its own agenda and not what has been proposed to them as donors in broad sense. As for the proposal to merge the lists, this idea came from the major finding of the KIP project which shows that globally as in Kenya the Policy process is best served by multi-stakeholder partnerships; listening to each other, understanding each groups' point of view and working in collaboration to ensure the best results for the most in particular for the country. The project has shown that this mode of working is possible here in Kenya as experienced with the draft ICT policy discussions leading up to the Mombasa conference and thereafter. Of course merging the lists needed to be discussed on both lists. Does this show an agenda? One list is global, the other is Kenyan which started with a specific task to collect and collate public views and opinions on the draft ICT policy. This task is now over with the Cabinet paper done. It seems reasonable to ask about any new/possible roles for this list and this is what we did. That the draft policy is now at the stage it is does not complete all work on this score. Those familiar with the policy process would be aware that the implementation planning is just as important and needs to be done. For this the services of a list might still be required. In fact the future of these lists has been discussed both on line on the lists and off line at KICTAnet meetings. As a moderator of the KIPList I have personally been involved in these and a merger of both lists was one of the suggestions. So a motive or interest cannot be imputed to IDRC when all that is being done is facilitation the discussions on the list. 3. KICTANET is a product of DFID through the CATIA project. But the new direction in this project is now to fit all stakeholders in their agenda and do the actual implementation of their project. I would call this domineering and not promoting multi-stakeholder partnerships. KICTAnet is not simply a product of DFID through the CATIA project. It is a multi-stakeholder network,a creation of collaboration between the KIP Project, DFID 's CATIA project and over one dozen other Kenyan institutions including universities, private sector organisations as well as other civil society organisations (Alice will make this clearer when she is available she is at a workshop). The call to join the national action network (was in response to findings from the private sector and civil society ICT projects) was published on KIPlist and if the WSIS Civil society Caucus did not deem it a space to enter it seems unfair to accuse any other civil society organisations that did so as being unrepresentative or not true civil society. My question thus is what happened to our own agenda (Civil Society) of which we had proposed and submitted to IDRC in form of a request for financial support?? Could it be that there has been an over-ride by the 'donor' projects?? The proposal and action plan had been developed by Abantu, ALIN, ITDG, FEMNET, ACWICT, SIDAREC and other prominent Civil Society organisations of which today feature nowhere in the new 'donor' projects. When was this agenda drawn up? Where was it sent exactly and how? IDRC is a global institution so some clarity is required here. I do not speak for IDRC but this accusation cannot be sustained if these basic parameters are not accurately and reliably established. IDRC works in clearly defined modes.It responds to materials presented in a particular way like most other similar agencies. So proof must be given for this accusation to hold up. We need to go back to the basics and let Civil Society control its own voice where people can raise their own thoughts...private sector theirs and so on. Otherwise, we are even confused who are the Civil Society leaders in Kenya at this point in time. "Civil Society control its own voice" Absolutely!!! That is why it is on the lists. But civil society cannot act in isolation anymore than government or the private sector can. All the contemporary discourse on development shows this and any one who believes otherwise is being anachronistic. Each of the distinct groups should indeed have their agendas and do but they need to speak with other blocs. As regards Kiplist, when it was started I had the understanding it was more a forum for the development partners. It appears somewhere along the way it expanded its scope in a rather tacit way, so to speak. I normally send mail to that list because I have an impression that it has a large audience interested in wide-raging ICT matters but it could always be useful to be reminded in case there are some guidelines. KIPList was not only for development partners although they are included on it. 1. Why would the Kenya ICT Policy Project want to merge with Kenya ICT Action Network? I can already see a difference in the objectives (Policy Discussions - versus - Action). This is where my position differs with Waudo's. The projects are not merging. The suggestion is for the lists (KIPList and KICTANet list) only to merge and this is still an open question. I believe that I have responded to the why above. 2. As Walubengo says, it's similarity of objectives that counts. A genuine partnership will be critical. For instance, are we pulling KIP into KICTANet .... KICTANET into KIP or a new list combining the the two? This is a valid technical question as I understand it and I hope I have it right. The two lists are created in two different domains .ca and .ke. The merger would have to decide where the hosting and facilitation go. As the KIP project comes to an end it is useful to consider sustainable options and a local .ke account is a reasonable one. 3. A Multistakeholder forum is definitely good. The separate stakeholder groupings should however strengthen their different forums (e.g TESPOK, CSK, WSISYouth, Academia etc) so that their distinct positions on issues are clearly represented when they come together to negotiate for a truly 'multistakeholder' outcome. This is in line with Bill's & Gilda's point. Agree 4. Has the KIP project come to an end? Am aware of the implementation & restructuring plans within KICTANet and would be happy to comment if I know what KIP prject plans to implement. If the goals and methodology converge, then the two should be one. KIP is coming to an end, 18th October 2005 and at this moment there are no new activities although discussions are ongoing. These discussion are in the direction of supporting local institutions. 5. The duplication of emails is not good but it should not be the reason to merge separate processes. Maybe we need to clarify the two processes so that the lists are not defined by (who) is a member; but by the objective of the list. I hope the objective of the two lists is now clear and a decision can be made one way or the other. Cheers, FE --- Submitted by: Florence Etta 2005-09-27 08:17:31 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-117112D(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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RE: List Merger/amalgamation
by Wainaina Mungai 27 Sep '05

27 Sep '05

Hi, I believe the feeling by some members is that the KIP project and the KICTANet process need to be clear on whether a merger of email lists means a merger of processes & project plans. - If the merge of e-mail discussion list does not mean a merger of two projects/processes, then the answer is go-ahead. - If it means we merge processes, then let's first find out why KIP & KICTANet should be one (other than avoiding the duplication of emails). KICTANet has an evolving structure and plan of work. What is the KIP project up to? If those two differ, then merger would not be prudent. Is there anyone in a position to clarify the issues above? >From the comments I have read on CS & MSPs, I believe Bill's point is that private sector lobby groups (TESPOK, CSK, KIF et. al.) should not be considered as 'civil society'.and that KICTANet is not 'civil society' but rather, a 'multistakeholder forum' for CS, private sector et. al. to develop common positions and partnerships for action. Regards Wainaina What is civil society meant to bring to the ICT policy and implementation processes in Kenya? (Adapted from APC's (Karen Banks) CS presentation in Tokyo, May 2005) Civil Society provides "a space between the market & the State". Neither private sector nor government can play this role. The role of civil society within KICTANet and other processes shall include: - Accountability: keep political & market forces accountable to the needs of all members of society - Transparency: encourage social responsibility and good governance practice - People versus profit: advocate for development of social projects & activities that are critical but may not be 'fashionable' or profitable - Civil Society values: shaping vision of human-centred information societies based on human rights, sustainable development, social justice & empowerment -----Original Message----- From: bounce-kiplist-cl-117112(a)lyris.idrc.ca [mailto:bounce-kiplist-cl-117112@lyris.idrc.ca] On Behalf Of Brian Longwe Sent: 27 September 2005 10:45 To: KIPlist Cc: lelder(a)idrc.ca; lkirkham(a)idrc.or.ke Subject: Re: List Merger/amalgamation my suggestion is that the lists should be merged Brian On 27 Sep 2005, at 02:56, John Walubengo wrote: > Unbelievably to the point. These examples from Bill can never be > any better...I now know what Civil Society should really be about... > > My only problem is that I am not sure whether we have resolved the > original issue:- Should we merge, cooperate or patner the two lists? > > Either way, I must confess that I am glad that the issue has > raised more questions than answers... > > walu. > > >>>> Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> 09/26/05 07:26PM >>> >>>> > On 9/26/05, waudo siganga <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> wrote: > >> Hi Bill, >> >> I agree with you that "organizations representing or improving the >> environment where private sector interests thrive cannot >> [necessarily] >> be justified as Civil Society". However I do not agree with your >> assertion that these organizations "do not care and neither would >> they >> address the social implications of their direct >> actions. " This is a very strong but wrong statement. The majority of >> successful organizations in the private sector run well documented >> social responsibilty programs, unless I have mis-understood you. >> > > Hi Waudo, > > You got me wrong!! Let me use two or three examples to illustrate my > point on social implications. > > 1. We know that internet exchange points have been established, fibre > has been rolled around the metropolis, direct VSATs licensed...and > realistically...though debatable, internet costs should go down. Has > this happened?? No!! Because we cannot expect organisations fighting > regulatory and licensing affairs to also fight the battle for > consumers. Real Civil Society has to take up the issue of pushing for > consumer protection in a multi-stakeholder environment to force a > price reduction. > > 2. When a mobile telephone company at any one time holds kshs 9.00 > from each subscriber in their 3.1 million subscriber base..at any one > time, that translates to kshs 27,900,000 at any one time. Whilst the > mobile company might have good reasons for that, perhaps Civil Society > can lobby that the interest accruing from that account is used to > champion ICT or any other humanitarian rights equivalent to that > amount. Telecommunication organisations might champion other interests > but certainly not those that are in direct conflict with those of > their members. > > These are just but two fallacies (by example) that only true Civil > Society can champion...if the proper support goes to the right > organisations. But again, they are hypothetical. > > [No persons are meant to be hurt in these examples and all characters > are fictitious. Any resemblance to an entity that fits the description > is purely by coincidence and any insinuation is highly regretted.] > > --- > Submitted by: Bildad Kagia <billkagai(a)gmail.com> 2005-09-26 > 12:31:37 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist- > cl-102682Q(a)lyris.idrc.ca > > > --- > Submitted by: John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> 2005-09-27 > 01:50:56 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [brian(a)pure-id.com] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist- > cl-91321D(a)lyris.idrc.ca > -- Brian Longwe Tel: +254 20 316171 Chief Executive Officer Cell:+254 722 518744 InHand Limited Fax: +254 20 350157 Sharp Centre, Wambui Rd PO Box 43042-00100 Muthaiga, Nairobi http://www.inhand.co.ke KENYA Putting the world in your hand --- Submitted by: brian(a)inhand.co.ke 2005-09-27 02:46:48 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-117112D(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Re: List Merger/amalgamation
by John Walubengo 27 Sep '05

27 Sep '05

Unbelievably to the point. These examples from Bill can never be any better...I now know what Civil Society should really be about... My only problem is that I am not sure whether we have resolved the original issue:- Should we merge, cooperate or patner the two lists? Either way, I must confess that I am glad that the issue has raised more questions than answers... walu. >>> Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> 09/26/05 07:26PM >>> On 9/26/05, waudo siganga <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> wrote: > Hi Bill, > > I agree with you that "organizations representing or improving the > environment where private sector interests thrive cannot [necessarily] > be justified as Civil Society". However I do not agree with your > assertion that these organizations "do not care and neither would they > address the social implications of their direct > actions. " This is a very strong but wrong statement. The majority of > successful organizations in the private sector run well documented > social responsibilty programs, unless I have mis-understood you. Hi Waudo, You got me wrong!! Let me use two or three examples to illustrate my point on social implications. 1. We know that internet exchange points have been established, fibre has been rolled around the metropolis, direct VSATs licensed...and realistically...though debatable, internet costs should go down. Has this happened?? No!! Because we cannot expect organisations fighting regulatory and licensing affairs to also fight the battle for consumers. Real Civil Society has to take up the issue of pushing for consumer protection in a multi-stakeholder environment to force a price reduction. 2. When a mobile telephone company at any one time holds kshs 9.00 from each subscriber in their 3.1 million subscriber base..at any one time, that translates to kshs 27,900,000 at any one time. Whilst the mobile company might have good reasons for that, perhaps Civil Society can lobby that the interest accruing from that account is used to champion ICT or any other humanitarian rights equivalent to that amount. Telecommunication organisations might champion other interests but certainly not those that are in direct conflict with those of their members. These are just but two fallacies (by example) that only true Civil Society can champion...if the proper support goes to the right organisations. But again, they are hypothetical. [No persons are meant to be hurt in these examples and all characters are fictitious. Any resemblance to an entity that fits the description is purely by coincidence and any insinuation is highly regretted.] --- Submitted by: Bildad Kagia <billkagai(a)gmail.com> 2005-09-26 12:31:37 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-102682Q(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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List Merger/amalgamation
by Florence Etta 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

Hi all, At a a brief meeting on Friday Alice and I agreed that it would be a good idea to merge the two list, KICTANet and KIPList. This email is basically to ask if you think this to be a good idea or not and why. Cheers, FE Florence Etta Co-Ordinator, Kenya ICT Policy Project International Development Research Centre Liaison House, State House Avenue P.O. Box 62084, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254-20-2713160-1: Cell +254-733-621851 Fax: +254-20-2711063 E-mail: fetta(a)idrc.or.ke Web:http// www.idrc.ca/acacia

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Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender
by alice＠apc.org 25 Sep '05

25 Sep '05

----- Original Message ----- From: <alice(a)apc.org> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 3:51 PM Subject: Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > This is scandalous! more so as consumers continue to suffer the > consequences of a > duopoly.... > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > How broke company won tender > > By Gordon Opiyo > > Details of how companies that were in the red won the country's > third mobile license have been exposed. > > Initial investigations by the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission into > the award of the license in 2003 show that two of the major > shareholders in consortium were had financial difficulties at the > time of the award. > > The investigations could expose what could be one of the > country's > biggest public tendering scandals. > > At the same time, court documents from the South African High Court > have shed more light into intricacies that led to the controversial > award. > > Audited accounts of Econet Wireless International made available > to `The Sunday Standard' show that the company's > financial state was > so bad in 2003 that they could not qualify for an overdraft from any > international bank. > > Sources at the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission say investigators > were startled at the state of accounts of the two main shareholders. > > The winning consortium consisted of Kenya National Federation of Co- > operatives 81 per cent, Econet Wireless International 10 per cent, > Rapsel and Corporate Africa each with 4.5 per cent. > > The Communications Commission of Kenya required members of the > consortium to have a minimum turn over of $100 million (Sh7.5 > billion). > > "Econet's and Kenya National Federation of Co-operatives' > records > could not pass any basic stage even in low capital expenditure > projects," says a senior investigator at the anti- graft body. > > The turn over of Econet Wireless International in that year was $8 > million that of Econet Satellite Services was $9 million, while > Econet Wireless New Zealand, was in deficit. Thus the total turnover > of companies that qualified for the Econet bid was less than $20 > million. > > With the other partners not being financially stable, the consortium > fell short of the minimum financial requirements by well over $80 > million. > > Accounts audited by the London-based Deloitte & Touche LLP paint a > gloomy picture of the state of affairs at Econet Wireless > International. > > In one of the reports, auditors declare that Econet Wireless Limited, > Company Registration No. 4149948, in the year ended June 30, 2003, > urgently needed a cash injection. > > The auditors say: "Each of the Group's (Econet's) Investment > requires > additional financing in the short term in order to develop their > businesses which could then support the carrying values of these > investments in the group's balance sheet. > > The ability of these investment businesses to raise further financing > is not known with any reasonable degree of certainty at this time. " > > The auditors also declare the Econet group could not acquire > overdraft facilities at the time it acquired Kenya's third GSM > license. > > The auditors declare: "The financial statements have been prepared on > the going concern basis, however, the company is in the process of > obtaining further funds to finance ongoing day to day operations and > to finance future capital expenditure." > > The report continues: " In this respect the directors are aware that > they do not have overdraft facilities and there is an immediate and > ongoing need to raise cash to fund day to day operations of the > company and group and to finance the construction of the New Zealand > Telecommunications network." On June 28, Co-operatives Development > minister Njeru Ndwiga shocked the nation when he announced that the > group that had acquired the 81 per cent stake in the third mobile > company was bankrupt. > > Ndwiga announced KNFC was indebted to the tune of Sh40 million > against an asset base of Sh25 million. > > Ndwiga said the cash-strapped organisation was unable to honuor basic > financial obligations such as its Sh1.3 million monthly wage bill, > repayment of a Sh10 million loan from the Cooperative Bank, Sh5.6 > million in statutory deductions and Sh800, 000 in legal fees. > > The minister said that the printing press worth Sh20 million was > vandalised. Ndwiga's revelation came months after The Sunday > Standard > exclusively reported that the company was unable to honour its > obligations in the mobile phone company. > > As a result, the minister banned all officials of KNFC from holding > any position within the co-operative sector. > > The other shareholder, Manga Mugwe of Rapsel Limited had a dispute > with Kenya Commercial Bank over a loan. > > More details of the financial state of Econet Wireless International > came into the public domain in June this year at the South African > High Court. Econet had taken its former finance director, Mwaura > Njiri, to court; accusing him of using confidential information he > got during his tenure to hurt the company. > > In the case number 05/12059 that was heard at the Witwatersrand Local > Division, Mwaura defended himself against the allegations. In a sworn > affidavit explaining how funds for the license fee were raised, > Mwaura says, "The first applicant's (Econet Wireless > International > Limited) balance sheet at that time was so bad that it (Econet) was > unable to obtain funds from any bank. > > The First applicant in fact had been unable to raise the required > amount of $27 million ." > > Mwaura, during whose tenure Econet bid for the license says the > company managed to get funding as a result of his personal > commitment. > > As Econet drags its feet on its roll out plan, the two existing > mobile companies continue making huge profits as the public pays > heavily for their services. > > source : http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=29062 > > > > > Dig Africa site welcomes you to join us at > http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Digafrica > > Also if you are interested to join a Swahili/English discussion group > click > http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kiswahili > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS > > a.. Visit your group "DigAfrica" on the web. > > b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > DigAfrica-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com > > c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >

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The Current Constitution: A download link
by Alex Gakuru 23 Sep '05

23 Sep '05

Hi All, I found the current constitution here http://www.katiba.co.ke/uploads/current_constitution.pdf Alex

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Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers
by Florence Etta 23 Sep '05

23 Sep '05

Hi, I believe Alice's is a good idea lets go for this. So when exactly can we have this Meeting in October I personally will be away until 12th. I guess what I am suggesting is for us to continue the planning of this meeting while taking this new angle into consideration etc etc. Cheers, FE At 07:37 PM 9/22/2005 +0300, alice(a)apc.org wrote: >Dear Michael >Thank you for your response. to meet delegation from both the Kenya ICT >policy and Kenya ICT Action Network lists. >We have a public forum planned for October to discuss these issues and your >participation will be most welcome > >kind regards >alice > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> >To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> >Cc: <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> >Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 7:21 PM >Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers > > >Whatever I may say or think, you will probably disagree with me, but the >statements contained herein are widely inaccurate, and I am very happy and >willing to meet a delegation of this list to clarify and clear up the >inaccurate statements. I take strong exception to some of what is said as >that is neither our practice as a company nor mine as an individual. > >Regards > >Michael > >-----Original Message----- > From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> > Sent: 22/09/05 12:11:11 > To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> > Cc: "kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers > > "On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: > > I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should > straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning..." > > Unlike Brian, I do wish I could take sides on this one...but this issue >is too complex and > as outsiders, we can only make educated guesses (speculate?). > > Definately, the 3rd Mobile License Saga is not moving forward as >planned. This has created a defacto duopoly that Safaricom and Celtel >continue to exploit with impunity (High Calling rates(airtime) for Kenyans >when rated Internationally, Lack of Number Portability, poorly implemented >EIR (the software that disables stolen phones) system, Unreliable Emergency >Service Lines (equivalent to 999 services), Delayed SMS deliveries, >Retention of Unused Credit, etc, etc, etc. > > A 3rd Mobile Service Provider is likely to destroy un-written, cartel >agreements that the current service providers are conviniently enjoying. >However, the process for inviting the 3rd Operator has been halted in courts >and one wonders (and speculates) on whether the delayed processing of >resolving issue is not deliberate to perpetuate the status quo... > > > walu. > > > > > > >>> <alice(a)apc.org> 09/22/05 11:39am >>> > Brian, I think it was clear that your reference was to the conclusion > arrived at by the author of the article. > But you do bring into light certain aspects that the author left out >which > is helpful in understanding the situation. > However, I think, it would be even more helpful if journalists could go >the > extra mile to explain the mechanisms/structures of the industry being > reported on and allow readers to make the mental exercise of jumping >into > conclusions! > > > thanks > alice > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> > To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> > Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "KIPlist" > <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> > Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:04 AM > Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > > > > > > On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: > > > >> I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should > >> straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning... > > > > I don't normally reply to my own emails - but I just realised that my > > mention of spurious reasoning yesterday might have been misconstrued > > to be referring to the comments made by my colleagues Alice and > > Florence. I would like to make a correction - I was not referring to > > them but rather to the conclusion reached in the press article by the > > author, which seem to have been based on questionable sources of > > information. > > > > Apologies to all for any misunderstanding :-) > > > > Brian > > > > --- > > Submitted by: cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-09-22 02:06:01 EDT4 > > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > > --- > > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > > %%email.unsub%% > > > > >--- >Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 04:44:57 EDT4 >(Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >--- >You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% > > >--- >Submitted by: John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> 2005-09-22 05:13:18 >EDT4 >(Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >--- >You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% > > >--- >Submitted by: MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke 2005-09-22 12:26:44 EDT4 >(Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >--- >You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to >%%email.unsub%% > > >--- >Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 12:42:24 EDT4 >(Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >--- >You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [fetta(a)idrc.or.ke] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-91439A(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Fw: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers
by alice＠apc.org 23 Sep '05

23 Sep '05

FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 9:14 AM Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers Thank you, I would like to be there. Please let me know the exact dates when you have them. Regards Michael -----Original Message----- From: alice(a)apc.org Sent: 22/09/05 19:38:44 To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers Dear Michael Thank you for your response. to meet delegation from both the Kenya ICT policy and Kenya ICT Action Network lists. We have a public forum planned for October to discuss these issues and your participation will be most welcome kind regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 7:21 PM Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers Whatever I may say or think, you will probably disagree with me, but the statements contained herein are widely inaccurate, and I am very happy and willing to meet a delegation of this list to clarify and clear up the inaccurate statements. I take strong exception to some of what is said as that is neither our practice as a company nor mine as an individual. Regards Michael -----Original Message----- From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> Sent: 22/09/05 12:11:11 To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers "On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning..." Unlike Brian, I do wish I could take sides on this one...but this issue is too complex and as outsiders, we can only make educated guesses (speculate?). Definately, the 3rd Mobile License Saga is not moving forward as planned. This has created a defacto duopoly that Safaricom and Celtel continue to exploit with impunity (High Calling rates(airtime) for Kenyans when rated Internationally, Lack of Number Portability, poorly implemented EIR (the software that disables stolen phones) system, Unreliable Emergency Service Lines (equivalent to 999 services), Delayed SMS deliveries, Retention of Unused Credit, etc, etc, etc. A 3rd Mobile Service Provider is likely to destroy un-written, cartel agreements that the current service providers are conviniently enjoying. However, the process for inviting the 3rd Operator has been halted in courts and one wonders (and speculates) on whether the delayed processing of resolving issue is not deliberate to perpetuate the status quo... walu. >>> <alice(a)apc.org> 09/22/05 11:39am >>> Brian, I think it was clear that your reference was to the conclusion arrived at by the author of the article. But you do bring into light certain aspects that the author left out which is helpful in understanding the situation. However, I think, it would be even more helpful if journalists could go the extra mile to explain the mechanisms/structures of the industry being reported on and allow readers to make the mental exercise of jumping into conclusions! thanks alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:04 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > > On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: > >> I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should >> straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning... > > I don't normally reply to my own emails - but I just realised that my > mention of spurious reasoning yesterday might have been misconstrued > to be referring to the comments made by my colleagues Alice and > Florence. I would like to make a correction - I was not referring to > them but rather to the conclusion reached in the press article by the > author, which seem to have been based on questionable sources of > information. > > Apologies to all for any misunderstanding :-) > > Brian > > --- > Submitted by: cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-09-22 02:06:01 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > %%email.unsub%% > --- Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 04:44:57 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% --- Submitted by: John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> 2005-09-22 05:13:18 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% --- Submitted by: MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke 2005-09-22 12:26:44 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% --- Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 12:42:24 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-90993H(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers
by alice＠apc.org 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

Dear Michael Thank you for your response. to meet delegation from both the Kenya ICT policy and Kenya ICT Action Network lists. We have a public forum planned for October to discuss these issues and your participation will be most welcome kind regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 7:21 PM Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers Whatever I may say or think, you will probably disagree with me, but the statements contained herein are widely inaccurate, and I am very happy and willing to meet a delegation of this list to clarify and clear up the inaccurate statements. I take strong exception to some of what is said as that is neither our practice as a company nor mine as an individual. Regards Michael -----Original Message----- From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> Sent: 22/09/05 12:11:11 To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers "On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning..." Unlike Brian, I do wish I could take sides on this one...but this issue is too complex and as outsiders, we can only make educated guesses (speculate?). Definately, the 3rd Mobile License Saga is not moving forward as planned. This has created a defacto duopoly that Safaricom and Celtel continue to exploit with impunity (High Calling rates(airtime) for Kenyans when rated Internationally, Lack of Number Portability, poorly implemented EIR (the software that disables stolen phones) system, Unreliable Emergency Service Lines (equivalent to 999 services), Delayed SMS deliveries, Retention of Unused Credit, etc, etc, etc. A 3rd Mobile Service Provider is likely to destroy un-written, cartel agreements that the current service providers are conviniently enjoying. However, the process for inviting the 3rd Operator has been halted in courts and one wonders (and speculates) on whether the delayed processing of resolving issue is not deliberate to perpetuate the status quo... walu. >>> <alice(a)apc.org> 09/22/05 11:39am >>> Brian, I think it was clear that your reference was to the conclusion arrived at by the author of the article. But you do bring into light certain aspects that the author left out which is helpful in understanding the situation. However, I think, it would be even more helpful if journalists could go the extra mile to explain the mechanisms/structures of the industry being reported on and allow readers to make the mental exercise of jumping into conclusions! thanks alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:04 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > > On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: > >> I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should >> straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning... > > I don't normally reply to my own emails - but I just realised that my > mention of spurious reasoning yesterday might have been misconstrued > to be referring to the comments made by my colleagues Alice and > Florence. I would like to make a correction - I was not referring to > them but rather to the conclusion reached in the press article by the > author, which seem to have been based on questionable sources of > information. > > Apologies to all for any misunderstanding :-) > > Brian > > --- > Submitted by: cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-09-22 02:06:01 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > %%email.unsub%% > --- Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 04:44:57 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% --- Submitted by: John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> 2005-09-22 05:13:18 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% --- Submitted by: MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke 2005-09-22 12:26:44 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-100946B(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Fw: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers
by alice＠apc.org 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

Hi all FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 7:21 PM Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers Whatever I may say or think, you will probably disagree with me, but the statements contained herein are widely inaccurate, and I am very happy and willing to meet a delegation of this list to clarify and clear up the inaccurate statements. I take strong exception to some of what is said as that is neither our practice as a company nor mine as an individual. Regards Michael -----Original Message----- From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> Sent: 22/09/05 12:11:11 To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers "On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning..." Unlike Brian, I do wish I could take sides on this one...but this issue is too complex and as outsiders, we can only make educated guesses (speculate?). Definately, the 3rd Mobile License Saga is not moving forward as planned. This has created a defacto duopoly that Safaricom and Celtel continue to exploit with impunity (High Calling rates(airtime) for Kenyans when rated Internationally, Lack of Number Portability, poorly implemented EIR (the software that disables stolen phones) system, Unreliable Emergency Service Lines (equivalent to 999 services), Delayed SMS deliveries, Retention of Unused Credit, etc, etc, etc. A 3rd Mobile Service Provider is likely to destroy un-written, cartel agreements that the current service providers are conviniently enjoying. However, the process for inviting the 3rd Operator has been halted in courts and one wonders (and speculates) on whether the delayed processing of resolving issue is not deliberate to perpetuate the status quo... walu. >>> <alice(a)apc.org> 09/22/05 11:39am >>> Brian, I think it was clear that your reference was to the conclusion arrived at by the author of the article. But you do bring into light certain aspects that the author left out which is helpful in understanding the situation. However, I think, it would be even more helpful if journalists could go the extra mile to explain the mechanisms/structures of the industry being reported on and allow readers to make the mental exercise of jumping into conclusions! thanks alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:04 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > > On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: > >> I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should >> straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning... > > I don't normally reply to my own emails - but I just realised that my > mention of spurious reasoning yesterday might have been misconstrued > to be referring to the comments made by my colleagues Alice and > Florence. I would like to make a correction - I was not referring to > them but rather to the conclusion reached in the press article by the > author, which seem to have been based on questionable sources of > information. > > Apologies to all for any misunderstanding :-) > > Brian > > --- > Submitted by: cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-09-22 02:06:01 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > %%email.unsub%% > --- Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 04:44:57 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% --- Submitted by: John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> 2005-09-22 05:13:18 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% --- Submitted by: MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke 2005-09-22 12:26:44 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-100946B(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers
by Michael Joseph 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

Whatever I may say or think, you will probably disagree with me, but the statements contained herein are widely inaccurate, and I am very happy and willing to meet a delegation of this list to clarify and clear up the inaccurate statements. I take strong exception to some of what is said as that is neither our practice as a company nor mine as an individual. Regards Michael -----Original Message----- From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> Sent: 22/09/05 12:11:11 To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers "On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning..." Unlike Brian, I do wish I could take sides on this one...but this issue is too complex and as outsiders, we can only make educated guesses (speculate?). Definately, the 3rd Mobile License Saga is not moving forward as planned. This has created a defacto duopoly that Safaricom and Celtel continue to exploit with impunity (High Calling rates(airtime) for Kenyans when rated Internationally, Lack of Number Portability, poorly implemented EIR (the software that disables stolen phones) system, Unreliable Emergency Service Lines (equivalent to 999 services), Delayed SMS deliveries, Retention of Unused Credit, etc, etc, etc. A 3rd Mobile Service Provider is likely to destroy un-written, cartel agreements that the current service providers are conviniently enjoying. However, the process for inviting the 3rd Operator has been halted in courts and one wonders (and speculates) on whether the delayed processing of resolving issue is not deliberate to perpetuate the status quo... walu. >>> <alice(a)apc.org> 09/22/05 11:39am >>> Brian, I think it was clear that your reference was to the conclusion arrived at by the author of the article. But you do bring into light certain aspects that the author left out which is helpful in understanding the situation. However, I think, it would be even more helpful if journalists could go the extra mile to explain the mechanisms/structures of the industry being reported on and allow readers to make the mental exercise of jumping into conclusions! thanks alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:04 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > > On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: > >> I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should >> straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning... > > I don't normally reply to my own emails - but I just realised that my > mention of spurious reasoning yesterday might have been misconstrued > to be referring to the comments made by my colleagues Alice and > Florence. I would like to make a correction - I was not referring to > them but rather to the conclusion reached in the press article by the > author, which seem to have been based on questionable sources of > information. > > Apologies to all for any misunderstanding :-) > > Brian > > --- > Submitted by: cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-09-22 02:06:01 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > %%email.unsub%% > --- Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 04:44:57 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-102682Q(a)lyris.idrc.ca --- Submitted by: John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> 2005-09-22 05:13:18 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-90993H(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Fw: [APC Forum] Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-dissidents (+FR)]
by alice＠apc.org 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

Reporters Without Borders presents the Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-dissidents Available at www.rsf.org >Reporters Without Borders today publishes a >Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-Dissidents (in >English, French, Chinese, Arabic and Persian), in >which experts and bloggers from all over the >world advise Internet users, especially those in >repressive countries, how to set up their own >blogs and get them known, while preserving their >personal anonymity. > >Create your own blog, remain anonymous and get round censorship! > >Blogs get people excited. Or else they disturb >and worry them. Some people distrust them. Others >see them as the vanguard of a new information >revolution. Because they allow and encourage >ordinary people to speak up, they're tremendous >tools of freedom of expression. > >Bloggers are often the only real journalists in >countries where the mainstream media is censored >or under pressure. Only they provide independent >news, at the risk of displeasing the government >and sometimes courting arrest. > >Reporters Without Borders has produced this >handbook to help them, with handy tips and >technical advice on how to remain anonymous and >to get round censorship, by choosing the most >suitable method for each situation. It also >explains how to set up and make the most of a >blog, to publicise it (getting it picked up >efficiently by search-engines) and to establish >its credibility through observing basic ethical >and journalistic principles. > >Many Internet experts helped produce this manual, >including US journalist Dan Gillmor, Canadian >specialist in Internet censorship Nart >Villeneuve, US blogger Jay Rosen and other >bloggers from all over the world. > >The Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-dissidents >will be on sale in bookshops from 22 September >for ¤10. It can also be downloaded in five >languages (English, French, Chinese, Arabic and >Persian) from the Reporters Without Borders >website: www.rsf.org. > >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >Guide pratique du blogger et du cyberdissident > >Disponible intégralement sur www.rsf.org > > >Reporters sans frontières publie aujourd'hui, en >cinq langues (français, anglais, persan, chinois, >arabe), un "guide pratique du blogger et du >cyberdissident". Des spécialistes de l'Internet >et des bloggers des quatre coins du globe ont >participé à ce projet, qui vise à aider les >internautes, en particulier ceux qui vivent dans >des pays répressifs, à créer leur publication en >ligne et à la faire connaître, tout en préservant >leur anonymat. > >Créez votre blog, préservez votre anonymat et contournez la censure ! > >Les blogs passionnent, inquiètent, dérangent, >interpellent. Certains les méprisent, d'autres >les tiennent pour les prophètes d'une nouvelle >révolution de l'information. De fait, parce >qu'ils délient les langues des citoyens >ordinaires, ils sont un formidable outil pour la >liberté d'expression. Dans les pays où la censure >est reine, lorsque les médias traditionnels >vivent à l'ombre du pouvoir, les bloggers sont >souvent les seuls véritables journalistes. Ils >sont les seuls à publier une information >indépendante, quitte à déplaire à leur >gouvernement et pasrfois au risque de leur >liberté. Reporters sans frontières a conçu ce >guide pour les aider, par des conseils pratiques >et des astuces techniques, à préserver leur >anonymat, à contourner la censure - en >identifiant la technique la mieux adaptée à >chaque situation -, mais aussi à lancer un blog >dans de bonnes conditions, à le faire connaître - >en optimisant son référencement sur les moteurs >de recherche -, et à asseoir sa crédibilité via >le respect de quelques règles éthiques et >journalistiques. > >De nombreux experts de l'Internet ont participé à >ce guide, dont le journaliste américain Dan >Gillmor, les journalistes français de >pointblog.com, ainsi que des bloggers des quatre >coins du monde. > >Depuis le 22 septembre, le Guide pratique du >blogger et du cyberdissident est disponible en >librairie (10 euros). Il est également possible >de le télécharger, en cinq langues (français, >anglais, chinois, arabe et persan), sur le site >de Reporters sans frontières : www.rsf.org. > > > >Julien Pain >Bureau Internet et libertés / Internet Freedom desk >___________________________________________ > >Reporters sans frontières / Reporters Without Borders >TEL: ++ 33 (0) 1 44 83 84 71 >FAX: ++ 33 (0) 1 45 23 11 51 >internet(a)rsf.org >www.internet.rsf.org > >Read our annual report on the state of online >freedom in more than 60 countries - The Internet >Under Surveillance : >http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=433 > >Consultez notre rapport annuel "Internet sous >surveillance", qui détaille la situation de la >liberté d'expression sur le Net dans près de >soixante pays : >http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=432 > > >-- >Working List of the WSIS Human Rights Caucus >Web site : http://www.iris.sgdg.org/actions/smsi/hr-wsis >Public Archives: http://www.iris.sgdg.org/actions/smsi/hr-wsis/list >To post a message to the list, send an email to: hr-wsis(a)iris.sgdg.org >To subscribe/unsubscribe, send an email to: Meryem.Marzouki(a)iris.sgdg.org ============= 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/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

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Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers
by Mike Jensen 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

On Thu, 2005-09-22 at 08:40 +0300, John Walubengo wrote: > A 3rd Mobile Service Provider is likely to destroy un-written, cartel agreements that the current service providers are conviniently enjoying. Not necessarily - the entrance of the 3rd mobile operator in South Africa did nothing to change prices or service levels...perhaps a 4th might help:-/ mike

2 1

Fw: Fw: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender
by alice＠apc.org 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

I believe some of you on this list are not subscribed to KIP ----- Original Message ----- From: "Florence Etta" <Fetta(a)idrc.or.ke> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 12:47 PM Subject: Re: Fw: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > Re Media, > Maybe this list ought to consider launching a FAQ session or education > sessions/page. Something to think about how to deal with this on the move? > So perhaps it may not exactly be a response from the media as a response > from this network that may be called for? > Cheers, > FE > At 12:28 PM 9/22/2005 +0300, you wrote: >>Media! >> > We recently heard Mr. Kiboro state "the challenge of reporting on >> > issues >> > you >> > do not fully understand" at the recent international conference. Is >> > this >> > your wake up call to submerge yourself in ICT multi-stakeholder >> > processes >> > taking place in Kenya to enable you report more fully and accurately >> > when >> > you choose to report on ICTs? >> > >> > We don't mind the "Shock and Awe" headlines BUT in this sector, logic >> > rules. >> > Ours is Boolean world and we tend to go a bit deeper. >> > >> > Any journalist out there who could respond? >> > >> > Regards, >> > >> > Alex >> > >> > >> > ----- Original Message ----- >> > From: <alice(a)apc.org> >> > To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> >> > Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> >> > Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 11:39 AM >> > Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender >> > >> > >> >> Brian, I think it was clear that your reference was to the conclusion >> >> arrived at by the author of the article. >> >> But you do bring into light certain aspects that the author left out >> >> which >> >> is helpful in understanding the situation. >> >> However, I think, it would be even more helpful if journalists could >> >> go >> > the >> >> extra mile to explain the mechanisms/structures of the industry being >> >> reported on and allow readers to make the mental exercise of jumping >> >> into >> >> conclusions! >> >> >> >> >> >> thanks >> >> alice >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> >> From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> >> >> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> >> >> Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "KIPlist" >> >> <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> >> >> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:04 AM >> >> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: >> >> > >> >> >> I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think >> >> >> should >> >> >> straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning... >> >> > >> >> > I don't normally reply to my own emails - but I just realised that >> >> > my >> >> > mention of spurious reasoning yesterday might have been misconstrued >> >> > to be referring to the comments made by my colleagues Alice and >> >> > Florence. I would like to make a correction - I was not referring to >> >> > them but rather to the conclusion reached in the press article by >> >> > the >> >> > author, which seem to have been based on questionable sources of >> >> > information. >> >> > >> >> > Apologies to all for any misunderstanding :-) >> >> > >> >> > Brian >> >> > >> >> > --- >> >> > Submitted by: cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-09-22 02:06:01 EDT4 >> >> > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >> >> > --- >> >> > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] >> >> > To unsubscribe, forward this message to >> >> > %%email.unsub%% >> >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> kictanet mailing list >> >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> >> > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > kictanet mailing list >> > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> > >> >> >>--- >>Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 05:33:04 EDT4 >>(Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >>--- >>You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [fetta(a)idrc.or.ke] >>To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% > > > --- > Submitted by: Florence Etta <Fetta(a)idrc.or.ke> 2005-09-22 05:54:42 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > leave-kiplist-cl-100946B(a)lyris.idrc.ca >

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Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender
by alice＠apc.org 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

Brian, I think it was clear that your reference was to the conclusion arrived at by the author of the article. But you do bring into light certain aspects that the author left out which is helpful in understanding the situation. However, I think, it would be even more helpful if journalists could go the extra mile to explain the mechanisms/structures of the industry being reported on and allow readers to make the mental exercise of jumping into conclusions! thanks alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:04 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > > On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: > >> I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should >> straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning... > > I don't normally reply to my own emails - but I just realised that my > mention of spurious reasoning yesterday might have been misconstrued > to be referring to the comments made by my colleagues Alice and > Florence. I would like to make a correction - I was not referring to > them but rather to the conclusion reached in the press article by the > author, which seem to have been based on questionable sources of > information. > > Apologies to all for any misunderstanding :-) > > Brian > > --- > Submitted by: cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-09-22 02:06:01 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > leave-kiplist-cl-100946B(a)lyris.idrc.ca >

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Mobile Help-line for Women Tops Gender and ICT Awards 2005
by alice＠apc.org 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

Apologies for cross posting! NO EMBARGO ========= Press Release ========= GENDER AND ICT AWARDS 2005 ========================================= MOBILE HELP-LINE FOR WOMEN TOPS GENDER AND ICT AWARDS 2005 ========================================= Manila, Philippines, September 22, 2005--Pallitathya, an innovative Mobile Help-Line programme via cell phones for underprivileged women in rural Bangladesh beat thirty other entries from all over the Asia-Pacific to win this year's Gender and Information & Communication Technology (GICT) Awards sponsored by the Association for Progressive Communications Women's Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) and the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP). Two other projects were selected as runners up: Putting ICTs in the Hands of the Poor, an interactive community ICT centre in India; and eHomemakers, an online network for home-based business from Malaysia. The GICT Awards 2005 ceremony will be held during the 10th AWID International Forum on Women's Rights in Development on October 27 to 30, 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand. A knowledge-sharing session will also be organised in conjunction with the award ceremony. The 2005 GICT Awards focused on information and communication technology initiatives which promote women's economic empowerment and development in Asia Pacific. Economic empowerment was defined as the ability to overcome marginalisation and oppressive social norms, provide choices and opportunities for women, provide strong encouragement for women to fulfil their potential, and enable women to acquire the voice and capability to counter their lack of socio-economic-political power in the community. Emphasising this focus are three major criteria: the use of ICTs to promote women's economic empowerment and gender equality; upscaling of initiatives and community-centred technologies; and the promotion of cooperation and social networking. GICT AWARDS WINNER: HELPING WOMEN HELP THEMSELVES The winning project, the Pallitathya Help-Line Centre (Call Centre for the Poor and Underprivileged), was conceived by the Development through Access to Network Resources (D.Net) <http://www.dnet-bangladesh.org> organisation in 2003. It was based on assessment findings which showed that lack of timely and relevant information was a major bottleneck to rural development, and a leading factor in the exploitation of the underprivileged, particularly women. The Help-Line deployed women in the community as "Mobile Operator Ladies" who move from door-to-door to enable other women ---mostly housewives--- to ask questions related to livelihood, agriculture, health, and legal rights via a mobile phone, while Help-Desk operators respond to the women's queries with the use of a database-driven software application and the internet. To expand the information database, resource persons from government, non-government organisations, health groups and human rights organisations partnered with D.Net to provide a steady stream of responses to frequently asked questions. With women's economic empowerment as its centrepiece, the Pallitathya Help-Line Centre directly addressed the community's information needs on health, education, livelihood, employment and agriculture, while keeping the beneficiaries' anonymity intact. As mobile operator ladies, women were consciously given a crucial role as "infomediaries," increasing their self-worth, their potential to earn, and their knowledge about various issues. Women help-desk operators also enhanced their knowledge of issues and considerably improved their communication skills. Women who availed of the Help-Line service professed a higher self-assessment and realisation of their potential and worth in society, increased incomes, and increased authority over spending decisions. Dr Ananya Raihan, Executive Director of D. Net said in describing his organisation's reaction to the award, " I saw the light of inspiration in their eyes. He added, "We would like to go a long way. At this early stage this recognition will facilitate us to work more and achieve the ultimate target". For its efforts, D.Net's Pallitathya Help-Line Center will receive a cash prize of US$8,000, while the two runners-up will each receive US$3,000. Representatives of each project will also be supported to attend the AWID Forum, where more than 2,000 women's rights activists, academics, policy makers and students from all other the world are expected to converge. GICT AWARDS RUNNERS-UP: BUILDING BUSINESS THROUGH ICTS IN INDIA AND MALAYSIA "Putting ICTs in the Hands of the Poor", <http://www.datamationfoundation.org/economic.htm> a theme project of the Seelampur Community ICT Centre project, is a tripartite alliance among Datamation Foundation Charitable Trust, the UNESCO, and the Babul-Uloom-Madrasa, an orthodox Muslim religious school in India. Seelampur is a Muslim minority ghetto marked by extreme poverty. A modern ICT centre was set up within the Babul-Uloom-Madrasa to provide a venue for Muslim women to learn from interactive multimedia packages on vocational skills, small businesses, and human and legal rights. The ICT Centre also established support mechanisms in the form of capacity-building, marketing and financial networking for the women to engage in income-generating opportunities. Skills and vocational modules in CDs made available to the women of Seelampur ranged from tailoring, embroidery, candle making and liquid soap making to management of courier and tiffin centres, basic literacy, confidence-building and personality development. The Centre also established a local community website called eNRICH <http://enrich.nic.in/>, where women get basic computer training and record their concerns on health, education, livelihood, and other matters related to the community's needs. The eHomemakers of Malaysia, was founded in 1988 as the "Mothers for Mothers" network which empowered home workers, teleworkers, home business owners and those who wanted home-based careers to improve their socio-economic status. Through the eHomemakers website <http://www.ehomemakers.net/en/index.php>, community members are able to network with each other via the Xchange section, print newsletters, organise activities to advertise their products and services for free, teletrade, barter exchange, and find teleworking assignments, while working within their homes. Sections such as Homebiz Management, Home-based Profiles, and IT Tips and Tricks enable women to efficiently work from home, pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and sustain home businesses. A Forum Board facilitates networking and exchange of ideas and actual experiences, while experts in business development and entrepreneurship respond to frequently asked questions. The eHomemakers network targets women in the low-income group, including unemployed single mothers with young/disabled children, the disabled and chronically ill to work at home, through the strategic use of ICTs. GENDER AND ICT AWARDS 2005 The GICT Awards 2005 <http://www.genderawards.net/> was open to civil society organisations, community-based groups, networks and social movements in Asia Pacific, with women, particularly, girls, as target beneficiaries. The Awards were founded in 2003. Sponsors The Association for Progressive Communications Women's Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) is a global network of women who support women networking for social change and women's empowerment through the use of ICTs <http://www.apcwomen.org/>. The Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP) is the leading international multi-stakeholder network committed to harnessing the potential of information and communication technologies (ICT) for sustainable and equitable development. Ranging from grassroots practitioners to policy-makers, GKP members and partners are innovators in the practical use of ICT for development <http://www.globalknowledge.org/>. The Gender and ICT Awards is supported by the the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) <http://www.sdc.admin.ch/> and the Department for International Development (DfID), United Kingdom <http://www.dfid.gov.uk/>. For more information about the Awards, please write to: Mylene Soto Coordinator mylene(a)apcwomen.org ================================================ ============= 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/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

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Tunis WSISGC Debate Announcement
by Florence Etta 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

DEBATE ANNOUNCEMENT Topic: ICTs and Human Rights (Women's & Men's) The WSIS Gender Caucus will hold a debate on Tuesday November 15th in Tunis as part of its programme of activities for this second phase of WSIS. This is our invitation to you to join in this activity in the following ways: As a debater, judge or e-volunteer. The debate will bring 6 intergenerational debaters from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, US & Canada, Europe, and Asia to debate how information and communication technologies have advanced or undermined gender equality. The debate will also suggest how sustained change in the service of gender equality might be achieved through the agency of ICTs in the future Information Society. The WSIS Gender Caucus is seeking your help to identify the best debaters, judges and e-volunteers. We need to find 6 debaters, one each (the best) from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, US and Canada, Europe, and Asia/Pacific 4 judges and 30 e-volunteers The E-volunteers will help the debaters to put the debate together so the debaters will have help from around the world with the help of the e-volunteers. Whether you choose to join the activity or not please make a nomination. Using the short form below to make your nomination, please send your nominations to: Susana Fernandes< sfernandez(a)genderwsis.org> OR Florence Etta <fetta(a)idrc.or.ke> = = = = = = = = = = = = Name & Sex of nominee: Country or Region of nominee: Task for Nominee: Debater/Judge/E-volunteer Age of Nominee in decades 20's 30's etc: (Required to balance debaters' age) Contact for Nominee: (Email address preferred) _______________________________________________

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Fwd: [DigAfrica] Econet buys back Sh6b stake from partner
by Brian Longwe 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

This is the company that allegedly can't get overdraft facilities ..... paying 6billion in a single transaction - business is about value, not about cash - cash follows value.... Brian Begin forwarded message: > From: "Chifu" <chifu2222(a)msn.com> > Date: 22 September 2005 05:37:29 GMT+03:00 > To: DigAfrica(a)yahoogroups.com > Subject: [DigAfrica] Econet buys back Sh6b stake from partner > Reply-To: DigAfrica(a)yahoogroups.com > > > Econet buys back Sh6b stake from partner > By Bryan Mbugua > > Econet Wireless Group (EWG) yesterday paid Allied Technologies Group > (Altech) over Sh6 billion to acquire back 50 per cent shareholding in > Botswana-incorporated Econet Wireless Global. > > The buyout was made ahead of the payment deadline that was due on > October. > > In a statement, Econet Group Chief Executive Officer Strive Masiyiwa > said the group had decided to make full payment in advance to enable > the business function normally and to begin implementing its expansion > programmes. > > Masiyiwa said following the payment, Econet will reconstitute its > board of directors to focus on a number of projects of projects in the > pipeline. > > Econonet Wireless Kenya, a subsidiary of Zimbabwean Econet Wireless > Group, won the bid to roll out the third mobile network in Kenya, but > its launch has been locked in wrangles between shareholders. > > Altech, a South African company also listed on Johannesburg Stock > Exchange, bought half ownership of Econonet Wireless Group last > November for about Sh5 billion. > > However, fallout among the shareholders led Econet to opt for an > out-of-court settlement over the disputed Botswana operations. > > Earlier, Altech had applied to the High Court in Botswana to wind up > the Econonet Wireless Group. > > In the application, Altech had sought to either buy out original > Econet shareholders, including the family of CEO Strive Masiyiwa, or > sell its stake to them for about Sh7.5 billion, incase its winding up > application failed. > > "Although the settlement agreement between the parties only required > Econet to come up with a bank guarantee by September 20, and make > final payment by the end of October, the company decided to make full > payment in advance," Masiyiwa said. Econet Wireless Global would > continue to operate as a Botswana-based wholly-owned subsidiary of the > group. > > "Econet Wireless Group today completed its payment to Altech for its > 50 per cent stake in Econet Wireless Global. > > "This will enable the business to function normally and begin to > implement its own expansion programmes. > > An early settlement also allows us to reconstitute the board and also > complete some of the projects in the pipeline. Now that we have paid > Altech, their directors on our board have also resigned and we can now > replace them which is important for our corporate governance," he > said. > > Masiyiwa said the group would continue with its expansion programme in > the telecommunications sector and with the arbitration process in > Nigeria to increase its stake in Vee Mobile, formerly Econet Wireless > Nigeria. > > Source: http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=29262 > > > > > > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -------------------- > ~--> > Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your > home page > http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/DKgolB/TM > -------------------------------------------------------------------- > ~-> > > Dig Africa site welcomes you to join us at > http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Digafrica > > Also if you are interested to join a Swahili/English discussion > group click > http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kiswahili > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/ > > <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > DigAfrica-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com > > <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > > >

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Re: Duopoly by Mobile Service Providers
by John Walubengo 22 Sep '05

22 Sep '05

"On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning..." Unlike Brian, I do wish I could take sides on this one...but this issue is too complex and as outsiders, we can only make educated guesses (speculate?). Definately, the 3rd Mobile License Saga is not moving forward as planned. This has created a defacto duopoly that Safaricom and Celtel continue to exploit with impunity (High Calling rates(airtime) for Kenyans when rated Internationally, Lack of Number Portability, poorly implemented EIR (the software that disables stolen phones) system, Unreliable Emergency Service Lines (equivalent to 999 services), Delayed SMS deliveries, Retention of Unused Credit, etc, etc, etc. A 3rd Mobile Service Provider is likely to destroy un-written, cartel agreements that the current service providers are conviniently enjoying. However, the process for inviting the 3rd Operator has been halted in courts and one wonders (and speculates) on whether the delayed processing of resolving issue is not deliberate to perpetuate the status quo... walu. >>> <alice(a)apc.org> 09/22/05 11:39am >>> Brian, I think it was clear that your reference was to the conclusion arrived at by the author of the article. But you do bring into light certain aspects that the author left out which is helpful in understanding the situation. However, I think, it would be even more helpful if journalists could go the extra mile to explain the mechanisms/structures of the industry being reported on and allow readers to make the mental exercise of jumping into conclusions! thanks alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:04 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: [DigAfrica] How broke company won tender > > On 21 Sep 2005, at 22:06, Brian Longwe wrote: > >> I'm not taking sides here, just asking questions that I think should >> straighten what is clearly spurios reasoning... > > I don't normally reply to my own emails - but I just realised that my > mention of spurious reasoning yesterday might have been misconstrued > to be referring to the comments made by my colleagues Alice and > Florence. I would like to make a correction - I was not referring to > them but rather to the conclusion reached in the press article by the > author, which seem to have been based on questionable sources of > information. > > Apologies to all for any misunderstanding :-) > > Brian > > --- > Submitted by: cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-09-22 02:06:01 EDT4 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > %%email.unsub%% > --- Submitted by: alice(a)apc.org 2005-09-22 04:44:57 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-102682Q(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Fw: Gender and Development In Brief - Issue 16
by alice＠apc.org 21 Sep '05

21 Sep '05

----- Original Message ----- From: <bridge(a)ids.ac.uk> To: "BRIDGE Gender and Development In Brief" <inbrief(a)lyris.ids.ac.uk> Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 3:16 PM Subject: Gender and Development In Brief - Issue 16 GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT IN BRIEF BRIDGE BULLETIN, ISSUE 16, OCTOBER 2005 Gender and Migration - October 2005 IN THIS ISSUE: * Gender and migration: an overview * Promoting the rights of women migrating from Asia to the Middle East * Want to know about trafficking? Ask any sex worker Over the past four decades total numbers of international migrants have more than doubled but the percentage of the world population migrating has remained fairly constant. There are now 175 million international migrants worldwide or approximately 3.5 per cent of the global population, about half of whom are women. Yet internal migration in India and China combined exceeds total international migration globally. Is migration positive or negative for both gender equality and development? In fact it can be both. How can policy and practice foster the positive potential of migration and mitigate the risks? This In Brief hopes to inspire thinking on this question, with a short overview of the connections between gender and migration, an article on UNIFEM's work changing policies and supporting the rights of women migrating from Asia to the Middle East and a piece from the Durbar sex worker collective challenging us to re-evaluate work on trafficking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gender and migration: an overview BRIDGE In 2000, 1 in every 35 people was an international migrant; and what some may find more surprising is the fact that half of these are now women. For internal migration, the total numbers are even higher (IOM 2000). Nevertheless, little progress has yet been made by development cooperation agencies on mainstreaming gender into migration interventions, and research into the gendered nature of migration has yet to hit the development headlines. People's experiences of gender are central to the patterns, causes and impacts of migration. Gender roles, relations and inequalities affect who migrates, how, why, and where they end up. Consider the following two examples: 'While working in Hong Kong I experienced many things - the way people treat a dependent or independent woman. I have gained much experience and my confidence has grown. Now, I have a say in decision-making at home. My husband does not shout at me. I have bought a piece of land and four rickshaws and I am creating a means of livelihood for four other families...' Sushila Rai, Nepalese migrant domestic worker (UNIFEM 2004 section 2, p1). 'I can't believe I did it. If I had someone to talk my problems over with, this would not have happened' twenty-one-year-old Leonor Dacular, is reported to have said this to a Philippines embassy official in a prison cell in Saudi Arabia as she awaited execution. She had complained to her employers that she had been raped twice by their sixteen-year-old son but they did not seem to care. She finally killed the son and his parents in their sleep and tried to kill herself. She was executed on 7 May 1993 (UNIFEM 2004 section 2, p4). Gender and migration connections Looking at migration through the lens of gender can show us how futile it is to try to divide up experiences of migration as either forced or voluntary, positive or negative, empowering or restrictive. Real-life stories of migration might include a family from Niger faced with famine moving for survival; a daughter in the Philippines sent by her family to work as a maid and required to send her earnings back home; a Bangladeshi woman divorced by her husband who is sent back to her parents' village; a woman fleeing feared violence from the militia to a displaced people's camp in Darfur; an English boy who runs away from home to escape sexual abuse; a transgender adolescent in Brazil thrown out by his family moving to the nearest city to seek out a transgender community; or a Serbian woman who has willingly migrated for sex work, but has been deceived into believing that she will earn good money rather than be trapped in conditions of virtual slavery. Do gender roles stay as they were when people were 'at home', or do they change? What employment opportunities are open to which genders? What specific needs or vulnerabilities may women face when coping with new countries or communities? It is true that migration can lead to a greater degree of economic and/or social autonomy for women, and the opportunity of challenging traditional or restrictive gender roles. Through migration, both men and women may develop skills or earn higher wages, some of which they can send back to their country of origin as remittances. However, migration can also entrench restrictive gender stereotypes of women's dependency and lack of decision-making power. The gendered division of labour in destination societies may result in women's skills being under-utilised, or lead women into sex work or domestic service, even if they had no intention of doing so on departure. In addition, services such as health, education and employment protection may be hard to obtain in destination countries, particularly if you are in informal (or indeed illegal) employment. Such service deficits can be particularly acute for women if they are unused to negotiating their rights to help when they need it, or if they face barriers of language and isolation. Gender, migration and development Despite the absence hitherto of development policy around migration, agencies like DFID are increasingly seeing it as a potentially important livelihood strategy for poor women and men - and one which can provide development to both sending and receiving countries. And yet, if both women and men are to benefit from migration, a shift to a gendered human rights approach is needed which ensures that development policy and practice are not limited to the economic aspects of migration (remittances or diasporic investment for example), but that they address a broader development 'picture' which includes culture, human rights and equality. This requires a much closer look at factors such as invisibility, lack of protection, illegal status, poor labour standards, violence and stigma. Such factors are critically gendered in terms of the different needs of men and women in relation to health, employment, resources, information, and power over decision-making. There are currently some positive examples that we can learn from. Government initiatives like that in Sri Lanka can provide essential pre-departure training to both women and men migrants which ensure a firm footing for all on arrival. Bilateral agreements between sending and receiving areas can also prompt receiving countries to provide a better deal for women migrants, as well as formulating policies to respond to large numbers of skilled workers leaving their countries of origin (the so-called 'brain drain'). A project of UNIFEM South East Asia is currently facilitating the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding between Jordan and Indonesia and between Jordan and the Philippines that outlines the rights of women migrant workers. Important work can also be done by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as ALMATERRA in Turin, Italy which provides legal support, information, cross-cultural mediation, childcare and skills training for migrant women (Lean Lim et al. 2003). International rights frameworks on migration, refugees, women's human rights and trafficking are an important starting point and direction for the mobilisation of resources and efforts within government and civil society. At the end of the day, people's rights to health, education and information are inalienable. Access to and enjoyment of these rights requires an acknowledgement by policymakers and practitioners of the migration context. What (or who) has made someone migrate, where they find themselves, and whether they are in physical danger or isolation, will all partly depend on their gender. Gender affects how people are able to contribute to and benefit from their destination community - and how, therefore, they are able to ultimately play a part in achieving basic goals of both social and economic development. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Promoting the Rights of Women Migrating from Asia to the Middle East MEENAKSHI AHLUWALIA, UNIFEM South Asia 'When I was migrating to work as a domestic helper, I was told that I needed the permission of a male guardian to apply for migration. Even after obtaining the official permission, I had to cover my face and leave after sunset... When my brother migrated, everyone put red tilak on his forehead and bade him farewell. Now that I am back the discrimination continues, I am looked down upon while he is respected as a seasoned person' Nepali migrant worker migrating to Hong Kong. After her story was told in UNIFEM's briefing kit on empowering migrant workers (2004) she commented, 'My story was featured as a success story. Ever since, people approach me for information on foreign employment. Today I feel that I and my work have been respected.' Around half of those migrating within and from Asia are women, the majority of whom are concentrated in low-end stereotypical jobs such as domestic help and entertainment, often as irregular migrants. In Indonesia, irregular migrants may outstrip regular migrants by seven to one. Treating these women as victims will not help them. Instead what is needed is an empowering and rights-based approach which respects their choices, and challenges the policies and prejudices in sending and receiving countries which make their lives more difficult. Examples of UNIFEM South Asia's work to strengthen women migrants' rights are described below. Sending countries - Nepal In many sending countries, negative ideas are associated with female migration. In Nepal, UNIFEM organised a media campaign to dispel these and promote the idea of a woman's right to livelihood and mobility as part of her human rights. The campaign included articles in leading newspapers, radio programmes, panel discussions and spots on television. 'The Media campaign attracted the attention of Social Justice Committee (SJC) of the Parliament and compelled us to create pressure on the Ministry of Labour to lift the ban on women going for work in the Gulf', remarked the Honourable Ambika Pant, President of SJC and Member of Parliament. The Government has now lifted the ban on female formal sector workers migrating to Gulf countries and the Foreign Employment Act has been amended to incorporate the rights of Nepali female migrant workers. Receiving countries - Jordan There are an estimated 35,000 Sri Lankans and 7,000 Filipinos working in Jordan (according to the relevant embassies). Domestic workers in the Middle East mostly lack labour rights or protection from abuse. In Jordan, UNIFEM has facilitated efforts by the Ministry of Labour and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to develop the ground-breaking Minimum Standard Contract for Migrant Domestic Workers introduced in 2003. This contract recognises domestic work as productive labour and domestic workers as workers with legally recognised and enforceable rights. It covers migrant workers' rights to life insurance, medical care, rest days, timely payment of wages and the right to be treated in a humane way in keeping with international human rights standards. Cooperation between sending and receiving countries For sustained improvement in migrants' lives and to maximise the positive impacts on people's livelihoods and women's empowerment, sending and receiving countries need to work together. To this end, UNIFEM has been supporting cross-regional learning and cooperation both within and between countries through exposure visits and regional conferences. In a recent regional workshop, commitment was gained for multi-stakeholder collaboration within and between countries of origin to protect workers' rights - from governments, NGOs and international organisations in Indonesia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Philippines and Sri Lanka. UNIFEM hopes that in the longer run, both sending and receiving countries, governments and civil society, will collaborate to promote safe migration, and evolve gender- and rights-based policies and programmes which empower migrant workers. Meenakshi Ahluwalia is Program Officer on Economic Security and Rights for UNIFEM South Asia Regional Office. 223 Jor Bagh, New Delhi-11003, India Tel: 91-11- 24604351/24649752/24649165 Fax: 91-11- 24627612 Email: meenakshi.ahluwalia(a)undp.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Want to know about trafficking? Ask any sex worker NANDINEE BANDYOPADHYAY, PATH India and a sex workers' rights advocate My friend Bahar, who has worked as a sex worker in Mumbai and in different parts of Calcutta says, 'Ask any sex worker, what is the question that she encounters most frequently from outsiders, and she will invariably tell you, - "how did you come into the sex trade?" And you know why, because all you pious do-gooders cannot bring yourself to believe or accept that anyone can be a sex worker willingly - you want to hear a story that she had been forced into sex work, - blindfolded, gagged and dragged, just like in Hindi films, ... what is the word you use these days, ah yes, "trafficked".' I interject hesitantly, 'But do not most sex workers say that is exactly how they were introduced into sex work?' Bahar laughs, 'We sex workers are in the business of meeting our clients' demands, be they men wanting sexual gratification or social workers like you wanting to save us. So we supply what you demand - you want spectacular, gory, heart-wrenching stories - we give them to you.' 'Here you have a trade - be it brothel-based or more unorganised street-based sex work - where the workers have the least bargaining power compared to those who profit from them. Of course the controllers of the trade would try to get workers who they can exploit most easily and profitably.' Bahar explains, 'See, most of us come from very poor households, where we have had little education or training in marketable skills, not much opportunity to live a life we would like to. Take my case, I left home because I felt I was not loved enough - my brothers always got the lion's share of food, toys or parents' love. So I ran away with the first boyfriend I had - and landed up in Bombay. It was this boyfriend who took me to a brothel-manager - and of course he made a small profit out of the transaction, like any agent supplying goods would do. So I was "trafficked" into the sex trade. But I knew what I was getting into, and there did not seem much point in protesting as by that time I had realised that the boyfriend was weak-willed and penniless on top of it. 'The first few months were grim - no choice over anything then - over which client to take, what fees to charge - that was "trafficking" according to me - when I had no control over my life. But after a year, I managed to strike a deal with the brothel-manager where I could keep half of what I earned and had complete control over my movements. At that point I could have left sex work, gone back home - not that they would have taken me back, tainted as I was by then - but I stayed on. 'The only way you can stop trafficking is to make it unprofitable for employers to recruit trafficked labour. Ensure all brothel owners and managers abide by norms barring them from recruiting trafficked sex workers. You "rescuers" never consult sex workers to find out what they want, you violate our rights by evicting us from our homes and workplaces, often insult and physically abuse us during the raid and then imprison us in remand homes for destitutes and delinquents. Ensure that sex workers, or any worker in any industry for that matter, have a degree of control over our working conditions and terms of engagement.' As with most of my encounters with Bahar, I have no choice but to accept the wisdom of her words. This article is a composite of many conversations with sex workers across India and Bangladesh, and on an action research for a programme on Gender, Citizenship and Governance conducted by Durbar in collaboration with the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in 2000-2002. For more information on Durbar's work see 'Gender, Citizenship and Governance: A Global Sourcebook' (2004) Nandinee Bandyopadhyay is an advisor for Durbar, a collective of 60,000 female, male and transgender sex workers PATH India, 53 Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110 003 India Email: nandinee(a)pathindia.org http://www.durbar.org/durbar_home.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References and further reading BRIDGE, 2005, Gender and Migration, Cutting Edge Pack, Brighton: BRIDGE/Institute of Development Studies http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk/reports_gend_CEP.html Deshingkar, P., 2005, 'Maximising the benefits of internal migration for development', background paper prepared for the Regional Conference on Migration and Development in Asia, Lanzhou, China, 14-16 March 2005 http://www.iom.int/chinaconference/files/documents/bg_papers/04032005_bg.pdf The Initiative Against Trafficking in Persons, 2005, Resources and Contacts on Human Trafficking, Washington: The Initiative Against Trafficking in Persons http://www.globalrights.org/site/DocServer?docID=643 International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 2005, World Migration 2005: Costs and Benefits of International Migration, Geneva: IOM Lean Lim, L., Landuyt, K., Ebisui, M., Kawar, M., Ameratunga, S., 2003, An Information Guide - Preventing Discrimination, Exploitation and Abuse of Women Migrant Workers, Geneva: International Labour Organization http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/gems/advocacy/protect.htm Martin, S., 2005, 2004 World survey on the role of women in development: women and international migration, New York: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and Division for the Advancement of Women Sørensen, N., 2005, 'Migrant remittances, development and gender', DIIS Brief, Copenhagen: Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) http://www.diis.dk/graphics/Publications/Briefs2005/nns_migrant_remittances… UNIFEM, 2004, Empowering Migrant Workers in Asia, Briefing Kit, New York: UNIFEM http://www.unifem-eseasia.org/projects/migrant/Briefing%20kit%20files.htm Valk, M., Cummings, S. and H. van Dam (eds), 2004, Gender, Citizenship and Governance: A Global Sourcebook, Amsterdam: Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) http://www.kit.nl/net/KIT_Publicaties_output/showfile.aspx?a=tblFiles&b=Fil… Useful websites: Durbar Sex Workers' Collective website http://www.durbar.org/ Human Rights Watch web pages on 'Refugee and Internally Displaced Women; Gender-Based Asylum Claims' http://hrw.org/women/refugees.html Siyanda - for gender and migration research, tools, discussions and consultants www.siyanda.org Southern African Migration Project http://www.queensu.ca/samp/ UNIFEM East and Southeast Asia Programme 'Empowering Women Migrant Workers' http://www.unifem-eseasia.org/projects/migrant/migrant.htm Please note, all internet addresses are current as of August 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IN BRIEF Tell us what you think of this issue! Email: bridge(a)ids.ac.uk or write to us at: BRIDGE, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE, UK Fax: +44 (0)1273 621202 Also available: Cutting Edge Pack on Gender and Migration As well as this bulletin the pack includes: * Overview Report outlining the main issues, examples of good practice and recommendations * Supporting Resources Collection including summaries of key texts, case studies, tools, online resources, and contact details for relevant organisations. In Brief is available in print in English, French and Spanish and is online in all three languages on the BRIDGE website at www.bridge.ids.ac.uk © Copyright: Institute of Development Studies 2005 ISSN: 1358-0612 Editors: Susie Jolly Thanks to BRIDGE colleague Hazel Reeves for editorial support and to Judy Hartley for copy-editing. BRIDGE supports the gender mainstreaming efforts of policymakers and practitioners by bridging the gaps between theory, policy and practice with accessible and diverse gender information. It is a specialised gender and development research and information service based at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) in the United Kingdom. BRIDGE is grateful for the financial support of the following organisations in the production of this issue of In Brief: the Department for International Development, UK (DFID) Migration Team and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) Gendernet, Development Cooperation Ireland (DCI), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Please read our Disclaimer BRIDGE, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1273 606261, Fax: +44 (0) 1273 621202 Email: bridge @ ids.ac.uk For further information on BRIDGE please contact: BRIDGE, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE, UK Tel: +44 (0)1273 606261 Fax: +44 (0)1273 621202 Email: bridge(a)ids.ac.uk Siyanda: mainstreaming gender equality web resource http://www.siyanda.org/ BRIDGE: free download of all our reports including the Cutting Edge Packs http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk IDS is a registered charity. Charitable company no. 877338 limited by guarantee and registered in England. Paola Brambilla Communications Assistant/Consultant Bridge Institute of Development Studies University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RE email: P.Brambilla(a)ids.ac.uk Visit our websites! http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk/ to download our Bridge reports http://www.siyanda.org/ for a great range of gender focused development material --- You are currently subscribed to inbrief as: alice(a)apc.org To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-inbrief-217378D(a)lyris.ids.ac.uk

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Tunis WSISGC Debate Announcement
by Florence Etta 21 Sep '05

21 Sep '05

DEBATE ANNOUNCEMENT Topic: ICTs and Human Rights (Women's & Men's) The WSIS Gender Caucus will hold a debate on Tuesday November 15th in Tunis as part of its programme of activities for this second phase of WSIS. This is our invitation to you to join in this activity in the following ways: As a debater, judge or e-volunteer. The debate will bring 6 intergenerational debaters from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, US & Canada, Europe, and Asia to debate how information and communication technologies have advanced or undermined gender equality. The debate will also suggest how sustained change in the service of gender equality might be achieved through the agency of ICTs in the future Information Society. The WSIS Gender Caucus is seeking your help to identify the best debaters, judges and e-volunteers. We need to find 6 debaters, one each from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, US and Canada, Europe, and Asia/Pacific 4 judges and 30 e-volunteers The E-volunteers will help the debaters top put the debate together so the debaters will have help form around the world with the help of the e-volunteers. Whether you choose to join the activity or not please make a nomination. Using the short form below to make your nomination, please send your nominations to: Susana Fernandes< sfernandez(a)genderwsis.org> OR Florence Etta <fetta(a)idrc.or.ke> = = = = = = = = = = = = Name & Sex of nominee: Country or Region of nominee: Task for Nominee: Debater/Judge/E-volunteer Age of Nominee in decades 20's 30's etc: (Required to balance debaters' age) Contact for Nominee: (Email address preferred)

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Aid workers lament rise of 'development pornography'
by Alex Gakuru 20 Sep '05

20 Sep '05

=========================================================== Today's Featured Articles on http://www.idealist.org =========================================================== * From Reuters: 'Development Pornography' Debate Resurfaces Aid workers and photographers are revisiting a complicated debate that first emerged during 1980s famines in Africa. Are photos of naked, starving people accurate depictions of humanitarian crises, or are they a form of "development pornography"? Some aid groups are seeking stricter standards for photos of victims used by NGOs in their fundraising campaigns, while others say the stark images are needed to spur action.

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Nairobi Software Freedom Day Event Report
by Dorcas Muthoni 20 Sep '05

20 Sep '05

The 10th of September 2005 was designated by advocates of free and open-source software (FOSS) the Software Freedom Day. Every year on that day, campaigns are held across the world to sensitize people about the benefits and availability of open-source software. Although the concept is an initiative of the nonprofit company Software Freedom International, it's actualized by grassroots free software advocates. This year celebrations were held in over 50 countries across the globe. In Kenya, the day was marked by a career workshop to apprise high school girls of the careers and opportunities available in the information technology industry. The event was organized by the Kenyan chapter of LinuxChix Africa with the hope of encouraging more young women to pursue degrees and careers in computing at large, with the ultimate goal of narrowing the gender gap in the industry. Although the objective of Software freedom day is to promote promote public awareness and use of free and open source software, it'd would have been illogical to single mindedly pursue it when many Kenyans are still unfamiliar with Information Technology. In light of the unique circumstances in Kenya, LinuxChix Kenya has opted for a two pronged strategy that involves enlightening the public about Information technology, and informing those already familiar with it about the benefits of free and open source software. Due to limited resources the group undertook to concentrate on the former by holding a career workshop for High school girls, which fits into our objective to demystify what a career in technology is all about, and convey some of our enthusiasm for computing to young girls so we can attract and recruit them to the field. We also aim to provide them with role models, and mentors and hands-on experiences so that they can develop a vision of what a career in computing will be like. If they can see their future, they can realize their future. The workshop, held at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, was attended by over 200 people, ranging from high school students to luminaries in the IT industry. Keynote Speakers included Jackline Bitutu of Wananchi Online, Naomi Muta of UUNET, Eva Kimani of Celtel Kenya, Edgar Okioga of AfricaDotNet, Nancy Macharia of The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The decision to invite more women than men as keynote speakers was a deliberate attempt to expose the girls to successful female executives, role models and to provide them with the opportunity to hear about their experiences climbing the corporate ladder. Speakers shared their backgrounds, experiences and lessons they've learned through their careers and education about the importance of knowing one's self, setting goals, looking toward the future and learning as much as they can to make informed decisions for themselves. Jackline Bitutu emphasized the insignificance of background to the pursuit of a career in computing. She related how in spite of her background as a teacher she'd been able to work her way from the bottom up through the ranks. She stressed that life long learning and hardwork are the precursors to success in the industry. Naomi Muta discussed her own experience in overcoming career obstacles in one of keynote speeches. She spoke of the importance of knowing what one prefers and standing by it, of the need to pursue excellence, not to please others but to fulfill personal goals. She encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and work hard. Eva Kimani told the girls of the diversity of opportunities in computing. She talked about the process of system development and highlighted the career opportunities inherent in it. Opportunities for System analysis, project management, database development, and programming among others. She pointed out the importance of being at ease with technology, and advised the girls to actively court technology however insignificant. She also advised them to share knowledge and help each other in order to better themselves. Her presentation was followed by that of Edgar Okioga who spoke of his academic background in engineering, subsequent start as a civil engineer and change to information technology. He impressed it upon the girls that information technology was the way of the future, that no matter what field one chose computing aptitude would be indispensable. “Therefore,” he went on, “no matter what career one chooses, it is imperative that one is familiar with information technology.” He counseled them to work start not work hard. He spoke of the importance of communities, their role in facilitating knowledge sharing, and in promoting personal excellence; and gave LinuxChix Africa as an example of a women computing community whose focus is free and open source software. Next was a presentation by Nancy Macharia who spoke about Computing courses offered at Universities. She informed the girls that the skills discussed by previous were within reach; they could be attained by pursuing computing degrees offered at various Institutions in the Country. She talked about the need for girls to aspire to excellence and emphasized its life long nature. Her presentation was preceded by project demonstration by Patience Mwasi a recent graduate from University of Nairobi. The demonstration was intended to show students what programming entails and what can be achieved through it. Patience exhibited a project that she'd developed, using FOSS, to aid biologists analyse the results of a study of the similarities and differences between the human brain and that of a baboon. Her presentation was done so simply and naturally that it must have inspired many a student to believe that they too could undertake it. That was followed by a presentation on System administration by Dorcas Muthoni, LinuxChix Africa co-founder, filling in for Pauline Ndauti of Swift Global who although scheduled to speak was unable to make it to the event. She talked about workstations, servers and networks, their nature, role in facilitating resource sharing, and described system administration as the process of ensuring a reliable, efficient, and consistently available network that allows for seamless sharing. After a lunch break of an hour and a half, the workshop proceeded with questions from the girls, which were addressed by panelists. To ensure that more people benefit from the questions raised, we will post them and the relevant responses on the LinuxChix Africa site (www.africalinuxchix.org) The subject of free and open source software was further discussed by Joy, the events master of ceremonies, who spoke passionately about the what free and open source software is, the importance of alternatives to proprietary software, and how they can benefit young people and society as a whole. At the end of the event Ubuntu LiveCDs, generously donated by Software Freedom International, were handed out to the students. Dorcas Muthoni did a live demonstration of how the students can use them. She explained that LiveCDs run without any need for installation and do not in anyway affect existing computer settings; all the computer user needs to do is put the CD into the CD drive and reboot the PC. To return to the installed settings, the user need only eject the LiveCD and reboot. The Girls were enthralled by the games available on Ubuntu, and its ease of use. They were enthused by the what they'd learned and were anxious for more information. They were provided with LinuxChix Kenya contact information for future consultations. The girls were encouraged to make copies of the CDS share them and what they'd learned with others who couldn't come to the event. They were advised to set up computing clubs, which would be supported by LinuxChix Kenya, in order to nurture their interest. Many girls said that they'd been edified about computing and had been motivated to pursue a related degree by the workshop. The event was altogether a resounding success, although only time can the extent of its actual impact. It was an eye opener in respect of the dearth of computing information that is almost endemic in schools. For this reason LinuxChix Kenya intends to hold many similar events in order to help fill the information gap. Sponsors 1. Kenya Information Network Center (KENIC) 2. Catalysing Access to ICT in Africa (CATIA), Kenya Coordinating Office 3. AfricaDotNet 4. Africa Center for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) 5. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) 6. Software Freedom International 7. Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANET) Kind regards, Dorcas Muthoni LinuxChix Africa

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Brazil's Statement On Internet Governance to the WSIS Prepcom III
by Dorcas Muthoni 20 Sep '05

20 Sep '05

========== Brazilian Statement On Internet Governance to the WSIS Prepcom III Geneva, September 20th, 2005 Thank you Mr. Chairman, On Internet Governance three words tend to come to our mind: “Lack of Legitimacy”. Despite the success in ensuring high availability and great stability to the operation of the network, the current structure for global governance of the Internet presents significant limitations and a clear lack of legitimacy. In what concerns Internet Governance, in our digital world, only one nation decides on behalf of us all. How those in favor of this power concentration explain this awkward situation? The most common one is the well known 1984 George Orwell type of mantra, which says: “If it is not broken, do not fix it”. Even if we agree that there is nothing to be fixed – which is not the case for Brazil – this indoctrination argument makes no sense. It makes no sense for a simple reason: we are not debating industrial mass production through assembly lines; we are trying to build a democratic, transparent and multilateral decision making process in our digital world. In order to see things from another perspective, Brazil proposes a new mantra based on an often quoted Stein's Law, a principle enunciated by the late Herbert Stein, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers during the Nixon administration: "Things that can't go on forever, don't." Mr. Chairman, the WGIG Report calls our attention to a number of issues related to Internet Governance that cannot go on forever. Allow me to quote a few of them: a) On administration of the root zone files and system, the unilateral control by one Government, as well as the lack of formal relationship with root server operators. b) On Interconnection costs, an uneven distribution of cost and an absence of an appropriate and effective global Internet governance mechanism to resolve the issue. c) On Internet security, a lack of multilateral mechanisms to ensure network stability and security of Internet infrastructure services and applications and a lack of efficient tools and mechanisms to be used by countries to prevent and prosecute crimes committed in other jurisdictions using technological means that might be located within or outside the territory where the crime caused the negative effect. d) On Spam, no unified, coordinated approach. e) In what concerns participation in global policy development, there are significant barriers to multi-stakeholder participation in governance mechanisms. There is often a lack of transparency, openness and participatory processes. f) On Allocation of domain names, there is a need for further development of policies and procedures for generic top-level domain names (gTLDs). g) On IP addressing, concerns over allocation policies for IP addresses. h) In what concerns Freedom of expression, restrictions on freedom of expression. i) In relation to Consumer rights, there is a lack of global standards for consumer rights over the Internet. The recent case of triple X domain name is a good example of lack of accountability. Mr. Chairman, we cannot ignore reality; neither should we expect magic solutions. The WGIG Report proposes a number of ways out of this dilemma. The first one is the creation of a Global Forum – a place of dialog and decision, with all stakeholders. Let me stress the world “decision” – otherwise it will be seen as nothing but a kindergarten. The second proposal is the creation of a Global Public Policy Oversight Function System. Three of the four models proposed by the WGIG report are worth being implemented. In this regard, Brazil is of the opinion that the WGIG’s report shall be a base for our work here at Prepcom III. It’s a good and sound step forward. In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, Brazil supports a new organization model for Internet Governance. One that is democratic, transparent and multilateral, as we all have already agreed upon in the Declaration of Principles, at the Geneva Summit, two years ago. Current policies on Internet Governance are unsustainable. We can't go on like this indefinitely. And things that can't go on forever, don't. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. _______________________________________________ incom-l mailing list incom-l(a)incommunicado.info http://mail.kein.org/mailman/listinfo/incom-l

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Hackers target net call systems
by Alex Gakuru 20 Sep '05

20 Sep '05

VOIP enthusiasts note: BBC News "Malicious hackers are turning their attention to the technology behind net phone calls, says a report." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4259554.stm

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Fw: [Apc-wsis] Papers for WSIS
by alice＠apc.org 19 Sep '05

19 Sep '05

Hi All Attached is a paper on Interconnection charges commissioned by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) written by Mike Jensen. "He argues for a competitive environment .. but with the regulatory process intervening to encourage open access approaches to infrastructure.. e.g. by making it compulsory for dark fibre to be made available and for unbundling of local loop. Also for 'cost-based' interconnection rates". Other APC papers for WSIS http://www.choike.org/nuevo_eng/informes/3352.html (english) and http://www.choike.org/nuevo/informes/3277.html (spanish) Alice Wanjira National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org wanjira(a)cck.go.ke http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws

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RE: Invitation to side event at Prepcom3, Geneva
by Wainaina Mungai 19 Sep '05

19 Sep '05

Dear all, This event will now be on Wednesday 21st (not Tuesday, 20th). Kindly plan to attend and actively participate. Regards, Wainaina -----Original Message----- From: bounce-kiplist-cl-117112(a)lyris.idrc.ca [mailto:bounce-kiplist-cl-117112@lyris.idrc.ca] On Behalf Of Wainaina Mungai Sent: 16 September 2005 12:35 To: KIPlist Cc: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Subject: Invitation to side event at Prepcom3, Geneva Importance: High To all those who will be at Prepcom3 in Geneva next week: You are invited to a presentation on "Information Society and Sustainable Development: Next Generation Policy Intersections" in Room XXII on Tuesday, 20th September from 2pm to 4pm. The event is organised by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). I will be making a presentation on "Using ICT for Poverty Reduction and Environmental Protection in Kenya" (The m-Vironment Approach) which is part of a book by young researchers from developing countries. Apart from policy recommendations, the study also explores the emerging use of mobile telephony for environmental protection in Kenya. Other countries involved in the study are Costa Rica, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, India and the Philippines. Regards, Wainaina --- Submitted by: Wainaina Mungai - One World <wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net> 2005-09-16 05:31:53 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-117112D(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Fwd: Re: [IIEP] Norway - leading the way ...
by Florence Etta 19 Sep '05

19 Sep '05

FYI if interested. > >Subject: [IIEP] eNorway 2009 - the digital leap > >The eNorway-plan from 2005 until 2009 is published: > >http://www.odin.dep.no/filarkiv/254956/eNorway_2009.pdf > >Headlines: > >The plan stipulate these objectives for standardization and open source: > > >· Within 2009 all new ICT- and information systems in the public sector >shall >use open standards. > >· Within 2006 a set of management/administrative standards for data and >document exchange should be established > >· Within 2006 all operations in the public sector should have introduced >plans >for how they will use open standards, service oriented architecture and >open >source. > >· Within 2008 all data and document exchange in the public sector shall >satisfy the management/administrative standards. > >· Within 2008 all public forms shall be built on a common interface. > >- Knut

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Tomorrow's Meeting
by Dorcas Muthoni 18 Sep '05

18 Sep '05

Dear all, There has been a suggestion that the KICTANET meeting scheduled for tomorrow (16th September 2005) be postponed to the first Friday of next month (7th October 2005). Kindly note the change of date. Time will be communicated on a later date. Kind regards, Dorcas Muthoni LinuxChix Africa

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Invitation to side event at Prepcom3, Geneva
by Wainaina Mungai 16 Sep '05

16 Sep '05

To all those who will be at Prepcom3 in Geneva next week: You are invited to a presentation on "Information Society and Sustainable Development: Next Generation Policy Intersections" in Room XXII on Tuesday, 20th September from 2pm to 4pm. The event is organised by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). I will be making a presentation on "Using ICT for Poverty Reduction and Environmental Protection in Kenya" (The m-Vironment Approach) which is part of a book by young researchers from developing countries. Apart from policy recommendations, the study also explores the emerging use of mobile telephony for environmental protection in Kenya. Other countries involved in the study are Costa Rica, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, India and the Philippines. Regards, Wainaina

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FW: International Workshop on African Research and Education Networking
by Alex Gakuru 16 Sep '05

16 Sep '05

FYI, This message is part of a forward from The Internet SOCiety (ISOC) mail list below. I hope the info is useful to someone out there. Thanks, Alex Gakuru ----- Original Message ----- > Please find below some information about the 'International Workshop on African Research and Education Networking' and ISOC's involvement in it. ISOC's involvement in the International Workshop on African Research & Education Networking In conjunction with the WSIS prepcom III in Geneva in September, CERN together with ITU and the United Nations University (UNU) is holding a three day International Workshop on African Research & Education Networking in close cooperation with DANTE, IDRC, IEEAF, Internet2, ISOC, RENATER, TERENA and UNESCO. ISOC is supporting a number of individuals from various African research institutes to attend the workshop in Geneva. ISOC is also actively contributing to the agenda of the workshop: Fred Baker, the chairman of the ISOC Board of Trustees, will be chairing a working group on Technical issues related to "Developing practical recommendations & Roadmap". ISOC has further invited Pierre Dandjinou, chairman of AfriNIC and Adiel Akplogan, CEO of AfriNIC to report about "Internet capacity building in Africa: the growing roles of AfriNIC and AfNOG". Pierre Dandjinou is also involved in the session dedicated to Funding. In addition to that, among the speakers there are a number of ISOC members, e.g. Mouhamet Diop, Alain Aina, Pierre Ouedraogo to name just a few. The purpose of the Geneva workshop is to facilitate scientific and medical collaborations with Africa by Enhancing Research and Education Network Connectivity to and within Africa but also bringing in additional European and International experience and actors, namely: European governments and European Union representatives, and International organizations such as ICTP, ISOC, TWAS, UNESCO, WHO. The workshop will be hold on 25 - 27 September at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. More information about the workshop can be found at http://cern.ch/event-africa-networking _______________________________________________ Chapter-delegates mailing list Chapter-delegates(a)elists.isoc.org http://elists.isoc.org/mailman/listinfo/chapter-delegates

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Re: [Kictanet] Tomorrow's Meeting
by mwangati＠doctors.ispkenya.com 15 Sep '05

15 Sep '05

Dear all, Tomorrow afternoon would have been best for me as I will be away on October 7th. However, I will send a representative should you need to change the date October. Kindly confirm by tomorrow morning, Maureen Original Message: ----------------- From: alice(a)apc.org Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 16:22:24 +0300 To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Tomorrow's Meeting Hi All could we please have more people responding to the proposed changes re; our meeting. Is tomorrow afternoon good for everyone or should we postpone to 7th October? Some of us will be meeting over the weekend and coming week to finalise on some of the activities proposed as well as the budgets. thanks alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)mail.co.ke> To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 4:14 PM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Tomorrow's Meeting > Dorcas, > Would it not have been good if the suggestion had been discussed/agreed > via > list? > Cancelled on the meeting eve and the re-scheduling logistics! > Alex > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Dorcas Muthoni" <dmuthoni(a)kenet.or.ke> > To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 3:29 PM > Subject: [Kictanet] Tomorrow's Meeting > > >> Dear all, >> >> There has been a suggestion that the KICTANET meeting scheduled for >> tomorrow (16th September 2005) be postponed to the first Friday of next >> month (7th October 2005). >> >> Kindly note the change of date. Time will be communicated on a later >> date. >> >> Kind regards, >> Dorcas Muthoni >> LinuxChix Africa >> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---- > > >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .

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Fw: [DigAfrica] Telkom Kenya Launches High Speed Internet
by alice＠apc.org 15 Sep '05

15 Sep '05

FYI > Apologies to those who have already seen this. > > ---------------------------- > > Telkom Kenya Launches High Speed Internet >> The Nation (Nairobi) >> >> September 15, 2005 >> Posted to the web September 14, 2005 >> >> Nation Correspondent >> Nairobi >> >> Telkom Kenya has launched a new high-speed digital service for the >> internet. >> >> The broadband service carries voice and broadcast services through the >> existing Telkom lines. >> >> It is based on the latest Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line technology. >> >> Launching it at Nairobi's Norfolk Hotel yesterday, Information and >> Communication permanent secretary James Rege said it was among >> measures to increase the State-owned firm's revenue. >> >> Telkom managing director Sammy Kirui said the new service would help >> the firm to compete more effectively for customers in a liberalised >> market. Telkom has partnered with two firms, Wananchi Online and >> Interconnect Broadband, to sell the service. >> >> Broadband service countrywide >> >> To keep the tempo, it is continually modernising its network and >> equipment to meet the challenge of providing the best services. >> >> This new service will be available countrywide, with an initial 6,000 >> connections in key exchanges, expected to grow to over 50,000 by 2006. >> Relevant Links >> >> The launch is seen as the first step in providing Kenyans with a truly >> broadband service countrywide, especially in the rural areas, where >> most people live. >> >> In another development, Mr Rege said the Information Communication >> Technology policy might be out in two weeks. The final draft had >> already been submitted to the Cabinet for approval. >> >> http://allafrica.com/stories/200509140700.html >> >> >> >> >> Dig Africa site welcomes you to join us at >> http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Digafrica >> >> Also if you are interested to join a Swahili/English discussion group >> click >> http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kiswahili >> >> >> >> >> >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS >> >> a.. Visit your group "DigAfrica" on the web. >> >> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: >> DigAfrica-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com >> >> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of >> Service. >> >> >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >

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[Fwd: [APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e-Updates No.13]
by Emmanuel Njenga 08 Sep '05

08 Sep '05

FYI apologies for cross posting Njenga -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e-Updates No.13 Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2005 00:05:04 +1000 From: Africa ICT Policy Monitor Project <africa.rights(a)apc.org> Reply-To: Africa.Rights(a)Apc.Org <africa.rights(a)apc.org> To: africa-ir-public(a)lists.sn.apc.org Dear all, Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates No. 13, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy Monitor website. For these news, information resources and upcoming events, please visit the APC Africa Policy Monitor Website links below. Editor APC Africa Policy Monitor Website http://africa.rights.apc.org/ //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - NEWS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ News > Access Cameroon: Telecom Conference starts with a focus on 'Access' <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1252759> 06/09/2005 (Cameroon Tribune <http://www.cameroon-tribune.net/>) -- The Commonwealth Telecommunication delegates yesterday, kick-started the Yaounde forum at the Conference Centre. There was every evidence yesterday at the Yaounde Conference Centre that the greatest challenge in telecommunication is not just the rapid developments in the Information and Communication Technology but the difficult way to have access to it. Ethiopia: Over 11 mln Birr rural technology expansion center to begin service soon <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1138790> 25/08/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et>) -- A rural technology expansion center constructed in Afar State with an outlay of over 11 million Birr would soon begin providing services, the State animal, natural resource and environmental protection bureau said. *News > Censorship * Kenya: Parliament website shut after media reports <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1218523> 03/09/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net>) -- Kenyan parliament has shut down its website amid reports that the The Standard's exclusive report of well-guarded secrets embarrassed some MPs. Yesterday, http://www.parliament.go.ke was blank after the two-day serialisation of what reads like an A-Z of some of our MPs' hitherto unknown -- and perhaps best kept -- career and educational details. *News > Freedom of Expression and Media * South Africa: FXI expresses concerns over Convergence Bill <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21866ne_1&x=920930> 16/08/2005 (IFEX <http://www.ifex.org>) -- The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is deeply disturbed by a number of provisions in South Africa's new Convergence Bill, which is supposed to replace existing broadcasting and telecommunications legislation, and is also concerned about the process that has led up to the development of the Bill. The FXI presented a number of these concerns to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications earlier today. A number of provisions threaten the freedom of expression and independence of the communications sector, and the FXI fears that the Bill will not necessarily address the growing divide between the communications 'haves' and 'have-nots' in South Africa. Guinea: Government Democratises Airwaves <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=1274096> 07/09/2005 (IFEX <http://www.ifex.org>) -- The small West African republic of Guinea took an important step toward guaranteeing press freedom last month, following the signing of a presidential decree that opens up the airwaves to private broadcasters, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Rwanda: RITA to launch ICT media network <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21872ne_1&x=1138459> 26/08/2005 (New Times Rwanda <http://www.newtimes.co.rw/>) -- Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA) will soon embark on a holistic ICT/media approach aimed at imparting the media with ICT skills to promote their reporting. On Tuesday, RITA assembled various journalists and discussed modalities of establishing the first ever ICT Media Network in the country. News > Laws and Regulation Ugandan President stops TV tax <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=1252438> 06/09/2005 (NewVision <http://www.newvision.co.ug>) -- PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has ordered information minister Dr James Nsaba Buturo to stop, with immediate effect, levying tax on television sets that are not used for commercial purpose. Museveni made the directive while meeting members of the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation at State House Nakasero yesterday morning. Nigeria: New guidelines for erection of telecom masts <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=1252892> 05/09/2005 (Vanguard <http://www.vanguardngr.com/>) -- The Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC , says new guide lines for the erection of telecommunication masts by telecom service providers in the country will soon be out. The new guidelines, according to the regulatory authority, will spell out many things as regards erection of masts in the country including the exact proximity to residential buildings. South Africa: No licences for content, applications providers <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=1138079> 27/08/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za>) -- Applications and content service providers will not require licences in terms of the Convergence Bill, says Joe Mjwara, Department of Communications deputy director-general in charge of policy. News > E-Commerce Zambia: E-solutions right solution at a right time <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864ne_1&x=1252890> 02/09/2005 (Times of Zambia <http://www.times.co.zm/>) -- THE steadfast growth in Zambia's gross domestic product (GDP) needs to be backed by the utilisation of electronic solutions (e-solutions) in the economy, Huawei Technologies managing director Zhang Wei has said. Mr Wei said in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday that his company had introduced e-banking, e-governments and e-campus in Zambia to assist the country in embracing and advancing in e-solutions. Zambia <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864s21819e_1> | E-Commerce <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864se_1> South Africa: Websites Become Lucrative in SA <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864ne_1&x=1139069> 25/08/2005 (BusinessDay <http://www.businessday.co.za>) -- SOME South African websites are finally becoming an effective way of generating revenue for a business by attracting enough local and international consumers to make them viable. South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864s21817e_1> | E-Commerce <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864se_1> News > E-Governance Botswana: ICT can spur political change <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1187973> 01/09/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi>) -- GABORONE - A British academic attending WITFOR in Gaborone has called for a shift of perception from information and communication technology (ICT) as an instrument for development to ICT as part of a political process of change. Uganda: Digital land titles in offing <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1040810> 23/08/2005 (NewVision <http://www.newvision.co.ug>) -- The lands ministry will introduce electronic land titles to eliminate the over 4,000 fake land titles in the country, the minister, Kahinda Otafiire, has said. During a workshop at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala recently, Otafiire said the ministry had hired Stewards Net Technologies and Magna Carda to computerise the land registration system and print the cards. Nigeria: Obasanjo gives nod to electronic voting <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1041399> 23/08/2005 (BusinessDay Online <http://www.businessdayonline.com>) -- President Olusegun Obasanjo has given tac-it support for the use of electronic voting machine for 2007 polls. This is even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) maintains that the National Assembly cannot dictate to it on the method to be adopted for the polls. Zambia: State to computerise expenditure monitoring <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1040979> 22/08/2005 (Times of Zambia <http://www.times.co.zm/>) -- The Government of Zambia will soon come up with a computerised system of checking how ministries are operating and utilising their budgetary allocations as a way of enhancing efficient use of money. Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary for budget Petronella Mwangala said yesterday when she appeared before the parliamentary committee on estimates that some ministries had a tendency of not using money even when the treasury had released the funds. News > National ICT Strategies Human Development Report 2005 Launched <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1286705> 08/09/2005 (UNDP <http://www.undp.org/>) -- This year's Human Development Report takes stock of human development, including progress towards the MDGs. Looking beyond statistics, it highlights the human costs of missed targets and broken promises. Extreme inequality between countries and within countries is identified as one of the main barriers to human development--and as a powerful brake on accelerated progress towards the MDGs. Botswana: Political leaders urged to appreciate ICT <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1251979> 06/09/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?>) -- Information communication technology experts have emphasised the importance of sensitising African political leaders about ICT issues so that they can appreciate and support it. Botswana: WITFOR Declaration To Be Presented To UNESCO <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1251976> 05/09/2005 (Mmegi <http://www.mmegi.bw/>) -- The just ended World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) conference adopted a proposal called the "Gaborone Declaration", which will be presented to the UNESCO general assembly. The proposal focuses on how technology can be used to enhance development and eradicate poverty in developing countries. Ethiopia: ICTAD project being undertaken with 25 million USD <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1041059> 21/08/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et>) -- The Information and Communication Technology Assisted Development (ICTAD) project is underway in Ethiopia with 25 million USD loan obtained from the World Bank. Manager of project management unit with the Ethiopian Information Communication Technology Development Authority (EICTDA), said the project is believed to be crucial in reducing poverty and improving living of the people. News > Media Kenya: Freedom of the media spelt out in document <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1054699> 24/08/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) -- The proposed new constitution for Kenya guarantees freedom of the media and gives citizens rights to information held by the Government. It bars the Government from controlling, interfering, harassing or penalising anyone concerned in publications and broadcasting. News > Training and Education Zimbabwe: Computers gather rust <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1156172> 30/08/2005 (Zakeus Chibaya <mailto:zakchibaya@yahoo.com>) -- HARARE - Fearful that people are going to read uncensored information, the Zanu (PF) government is reneging on its promise to provide internet services to schools after doling out hundreds of computers countrywide during the March elections in their bid to woo voters. Uganda: Makerere University to start e-learning <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21878ne_1&x=921048> 16/08/2005 (NewVision <http://www.newvision.co.ug>) -- Makerere University is to start its first ever e-learning (internet) programmes in an effort to reduce congestion in the lecture rooms. The deputy Vice- Chancellor, Dr. Lillian Ekirikubinza, told an international Information Communication Technology conference at Makerere University that the University Council and Senate had approved the proposal. News > Science and Technology Zambia: Science and technology vital for wealth creation <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21874ne_1&x=1138268> 27/08/2005 (Times of Zambia <http://www.times.co.zm/>) -- Zambia Government has said science and technology will be given prominence in the Fifth National Development Plan in order to create wealth for the people. Science and technology minister Judith Kapijimpanga said yesterday during a workshop on Identification of Goals and Priorities in the Development and Application of Science and Technology in Lusaka, that Government was working on initiatives on how technology could play a role in wealth creation. //\//\//\//\//\//\/ -*INFORMATION & RESOURCES *- //\//\//\//\//\//\/ *Reports* Harnessing Science and Technology for Human Development - BOTSWANA 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1287087> 08/09/2005 -- Botswana Human Development Report 2005 focuses on the role of science and technology in the development process. The theme is inspired both by recognition of what humanity has achieved ? in agriculture, manufacturing, communication, medicine etc - with the aid of science and technology and the development possibilities technology offers to Developing Nations. *Opinion* After Tunis: A summit without implementation and civil society? <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1274422> 07/09/2005 -- Civil society groups active in the WSIS have voiced their protest against a serious development related to the Tunis summit outcomes. The latest draft for the summit document on implementation and follow-up is lacking a meaningful commitment to implementation, and they also are a serious setback for the multi-stakeholder approach. South Africa: Govt should set measurable ICT targets <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1253198> 05/09/2005 -- It is important SA has clear and measurable ICT targets, the presidential international advisory council on information society and development heard this weekend. The council convened for its annual meeting in Zeerust in the Northwest. Established five years ago, the council's objective is to advise the president on bridging the digital divide, including making telephony accessible to the disadvantaged. Managing technological learning: a strategic imperative <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1253225> 05/09/2005 -- Firms in developing countries that wish to innovate effectively must be able to manage the process of 'technological learning'. This refers to the accumulation of capabilities to change technologies, in contrast to the more formal type of knowledge that emerges from lab-based research and development. Guess Where IT Belongs? <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1251905> 05/09/2005 -- I was struck by the recurrence of the phrase "IT has no boundaries" during the deliberations of the Information Technology conference that was held in Gaborone last week. IT is a product of the most advanced economies, which needed war in order to conquer and enslave other nations. And to do so required good means of communication. Hence the Morse code, and then the telephone, which is a little over a hundred years old, and then this thing that we now call IT. Sub-Saharan Africa needs policy action <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1188048> 01/09/2005 -- Sub-Saharan Africa lags behind in such a way that without a decisive local or international policy action, the sub-continent will not achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Thomas Feige, the acting head of the European Delegation in Gaborone, said yesterday that the European Union (EU) recognises the role that transport, energy, water and sanitation as well as information and communication technologies can play in helping Africa implement its infrastructure plan that the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) spearheads. *Analysis* Software and seeds: Open source methods <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1207091> 02/09/2005 -- Open source methodologies used in software are interrogated and then compared to the methods used in farmers' rights groups. The use of open source methods in other contexts illustrates increasing interest in grassroots democratic movements participating in the continuing process of balance between public and private interests. These efforts provide a possible alternate framework for policy decisions concerning intellectual property. Information and Communications Technology for Sustainable Development <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1094043> 26/08/2005 -- Carnegie Mellon hosted a Workshop on June 26-27, 2003, at the World Bank, in Washington, DC, for ICT and development professionals from around the world. This was followed up by the Bangalore Workshop on ICT for Sustainable Development, January 14-16, 2004. The results of these Workshops form part of the book Information and Communications Technology for Sustainable Development: Defining a Global Research Agenda. Africa Civil Society Prepcom Briefing <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1060734> 24/08/2005 -- The WSIS PrepCom III of Phase II of the WSIS - will take place from September 19-30 and will be the last meeting for negotiation of the final Tunis documents. The following document outlines briefly the documents that will be negotiated, how they will be negotiated, and different opportunities for lobbying and the timetable for negotiations for PrepCom III. Access to Technology <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1253227> 06/09/2005 -- One of the major challenges that experts at the third Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation holding in Yaounde would face is seeking appropriate technology for developing countries. Considering the concern of opinion leaders and decision-makers to respond to the growing need for access of their citizens to ICT, especially within the growing market, participants would have to come out with workable solutions and not just theories. Bandwidth Can Bring African Universities Up to Speed <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1253290> 06/09/2005 -- There are two striking facts about African universities and bandwidth. The first is that the average university in Africa has the same aggregate bandwidth as a single home user in North America or Europe. The second is that the average African university pays more than 50 times for this bandwidth than its counterparts in Europe or North America do for much more capacity. Media ethics and professionalism scrutinised at MISA Conference <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1274069> 03/09/2005 -- Those governments in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region that still own, control and influence media operations were urged to stop furthering their political agendas through media control. Government control stifles editorial independence and free, fair and objective reporting. This was said at the recently concluded regional conference organised in Windhoek by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) on the theme Media, Ethics and Professionalism: Towards an Ethical Africa Media. *Guides* Free/open source software (FOSS) policy in Africa: A toolkit for policy-makers and practitioners <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=re_1&x=1153147> "Free/open source software (FOSS) policy in Africa: A toolkit for policy-makers and practitioners" is targeted at governments that are investigating whether and how they can integrate FOSS into their strategies for social and economic development. It provides a broad overview of how FOSS fits into national ICT policy-making, outlines the areas where governments can take policy decision related to FOSS as well as some of the possible approaches, and lists activities related to FOSS policy from across Africa. Managing ICTs in South African Schools; A guide for School Principals <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=re_1&x=937793> The purpose of this guide is to give principals and senior school management information on using and managing ICT resources so that they can provide leadership in their schools. The guide also considers some implications of the use of the computer and related resources for teaching and learning. The authors hope that it will also be a valuable resource for other senior members of the school staff, and for School Governing Bodies. //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - *EVENTS* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ *24/08/2005*, International <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1> Africa Civil Soceity Discussion Forum on WSIS Prepcom 3 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1126129> The Africa civil society organizations is holding a discussion forum Discussion on WSIS Prepcom 3 and the report of the WGIG. Organized by the African Civil Society for the Information Sociey (ACSIS) with the collaboration of PIWA (CIPACO project) and APC. From 24 August to 17 September 2005. *07/09/2005* PICTA/GKP Meeting, 7 - 8 Sep 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1253497> The 2005 annual PICTA meeting is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 7 - 8 September 2005 under the theme of Networking Development in Africa. This year the core PICTA partners are expected to put extra effort into strengthening PICTA as an arena for collaboration among the key institutions involved with ICT and Knowledge for Development in Africa. *12/09/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> Highway Africa Conference 2005 'Reinforcing journalism in the information society'** <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33696> The Highway Africa 2005 will explore the above issues and seek to assist in overcoming the challenges. Highway Africa's programme includes a unique mix of plenary and keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on workshops where delegates acquire practical skills and expertise. *19/09/2005*, International <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1> PrepCom-3 of the WSIS Tunis phase to take place in Geneva <http://www.itu.int/wsis/preparatory2/pc3/index.html> The third meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom-3 of the Tunis phase) will take place in Palais des Nations, Geneva (Switzerland) from 19-30 September 2005. *24/10/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> World Development Information Day (WDID) 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1274358> SANGONeT will host a special event on Monday, 24 October 2005, to celebrate World Development Information Day. The United Nations General Assembly instituted World Development Information Day in December 1972 with the objective of drawing public attention annually to development problems and the importance of strengthening international cooperation to solve them. //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// ABOUT APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and supporting groups and individuals through the strategic use of information and communication technologies, especially internet-related technologies. APC and its members in more than 30 countries pioneer practical and relevant uses of ICTs for civil society. APC is an international facilitator of civil society's engagement with ICTs and related concerns, in both policy and practice. APC: http://www.apc.org. APC and ICT Policy Advocacy in Africa APC's Communications and Information Policy Programme aims to contribute to more enabling ICT policy environments through promoting inclusive policy processes. In Africa APC is doing this through the Africa ICT Policy Monitor project which aims to enable civil society organisations to engage in ICT policy development to promote an information society based on social justice and human rights. APC's Africa ICT Policy Monitor: http://africa.rights.apc.org The APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor is supported by HIVOS and the International Research Development Centre (IDRC). //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// To change your subscription (set options like digest and delivery modes, get a reminder of your password, or to stop receiving APC Africa Policy Monitor Website e-Updates and Newsletter), visit the mailing list: http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/africa-ir-public or send an email to africa.rights(a)apc.org //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna Africa Policy Monitor Project Association for Progressive Communications (APC) Email: africa.rights(a)apc.org or njenga(a)apc.org Web: http://africa.rights.apc.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Fwd: ICT and Parliament in Rwanda
by Florence Etta 08 Sep '05

08 Sep '05

> > >NEWS EXTRA > >Kenyan MPs humbled in Rwanda > > > >Story by CYRUS KINYUNGU > >Publication Date: 09/08/2005 > >Kenyan MPs inside Parliament. Their Rwandese colleagues use modern > >technology to conduct business, making operations, efficient and quick. > >MPs visiting the Rwandese Parliament recently found themselves taking > >lessons on how to do things briskly, efficiently and in a modern way > >through the use of technology. > >Most did not think there was anything Kenya could learn from Rwanda and had > >gone there to witness the effects of the 1994 genocide in which about > >800,000 people were massacred. True, they carried back home lessons on the > >genocide and why Kenya's stability may be its most vital asset. > >But when they toured Parliament in Kigali, they thought Kenya's own belongs > >to the Victorian age. > >Humbling experience > >Considering Kenya's superior social economic status at least compared to > >Rwanda which is recovering from the effects of the genocide the > >experience was humbling. > >Immediately they were ushered in, the MPs faced an electronic board which > >showed how votes in the House were recorded. > >"The voting here is done electronically," said an excited Mbita MP Otieno > >Kajwang' immediately he saw the board. > >Unlike in Kenya where MPs have to stand and move to the closest microphone > >while addressing the House, in Rwanda the microphones are placed next to > >the seats. > >Before the Speaker addressed his Kenyan guests, they had to be guided on > >how to use microphones and other electronic equipment. > >"For those who speak Kinyarwanda use channel one, those who speak English > >Channel Two and those who speak French use channel 3," a voice announced > >just before the start of the session. > >Excited MPs > >As the MPs pulled their chairs closer to their tables to put on the > >headphones, one could not fail to notice their excitement. > >When the president of the senate was explaining how the two-chamber > >Parliament was run in Kinyarwanda, interpretation to English and French was > >going on simultaneously. > >"The operations in this Parliament are like those in an international > >conference," explained Mr Gideon Kanyinamura, a Rwandese MP. > >The operations of the Parliament were explained on a big white screen > >rolled from the rooftop of the building to the front, where the chamber's > >president and Kenya's head of delegation, Mr Mirugi Kariuki, were seated. > >The information was beamed to the large screen from a laptop computer using > >a small projector behind the MPs. A technician rolled the programme in > >tandem with the speed of the presenter. > >But what surprised the MPs most was learning that every Rwanda member of > >Parliament had a laptop with Internet connection. > >They were also amazed to learn that minutes of Cabinet meetings are always > >posted on the Internet. > >The whole of Parliament is networked such that MPs can access Internet from > >any corner of the compound without the need of cables. > >"Every MP in our Parliament has a laptop and has been trained on how to use > >it. One can access Internet from any corner of Parliament without > >connection cables," said Dr Nyramirimo Odette, an MP in the chamber of > >deputies. > >The wireless network allows those without access to wired ports access to > >on-line resources using a wireless network standard, which allows > >communication between a device such as a laptop and a wireless access point > >connected to the main network. > >To access the network you must have a wireless network card for your > >laptop, which must be compatible with the 802.11b or 802.11g wireless > >standard. > >An ID user name and password is required and once the wireless device has > >been booted and a browser opened, the user is prompted on how to proceed. > >While in Kenya, MPs have to go for divisions when they disagree on some > >matters, in Rwanda they just touch a button which determines where their > >vote goes. > >The division in the Kenyan chamber goes for close to two hours while their > >counterparts in Rwanda seal their debates in less than five minutes. > >"During voting, all the lights in the electronic gadgets on the tables go > >off so that not even your neighbour may know how you are voting," said Dr > >Odette. > >"You will only see numbers in either Yes or No increasing without knowing > >how individuals voted," she added. > >The Rwandese Parliament has the highest number of women in the world. The > >chamber of deputies, which has 80 members, has 24 seats reserved for women. > >In the House, 53 members are elected, two by the National Youth Council and > >one by the Federation of the Association of the Disabled besides the 24 > >women seats two from each province and Kigali city. > >In the current Parliament, women comprise 48.7 per cent of the members. > >Mr Kariuki, the Internal Security assistant minister, said there was a lot > >to learn from the country's Parliament in terms of technology. > >He said the MPs' experience in the Rwandese Parliament was a great > >challenge to them and marvelled at the fact that all MPs in the country had > >access to a laptop connected to the Internet. > >"The system of governance and technology in Rwanda makes our Parliament > >look Victorian and archaic," said Mandera Central MP Billow Kerrow. > >He said a lot of paper was wasted in printing order materials while in > >Rwanda one only needed to follow proceedings from their laptops. > >He said their Parliament was more modern and better run than Kenya's. > >"In their House, which has 80 members, there must always be a quorum of 60 > >per cent at all times. They take their work more seriously and enjoy more > >respect and recognition from the public," he added. > >Justice and Constitutional Affairs assistant minister Njeru Githae said the > >biggest challenge to Kenyans was Rwanda's technological advancement. > >"While in Kenya a member has to keep standing to catch the eye of the > >Speaker, in Rwanda you only have to press a button and he knows you want to > >speak," he said, adding that the Kenyan Parliament took hours to make > >decisions due to the voting system, while it only took minutes with the > >electronic voting in Rwanda. > >Drinking water > >"Drinking water is placed at every member's table unlike in Kenya where we > >have to walk to the dispatch box sometimes disrupting contributions," said > >Mr Githae, hoping that the planned renovation of Parliament would proceed > >at a more urgent pace. > >He denied that he had been against the renovations, saying that he had only > >been concerned about the cost involved. > >"Nobody is against the renovation of Parliament. We were just concerned > >with its cost. The specifications were expensive but the idea was noble," > >he said. > >When the Kenyans visited President Paul Kagame in his Kigali office, they > >were hosted at the Cabinet room where microphones are fixed next to every > >chair and translation facilities are readily available. > >President Kagame explained to the MPs that every Cabinet minister had a > >laptop and had been trained on how to use it. > >The President told the MPs that minutes of all Cabinet meetings are > >available on the Internet and there was little paper work in the room since > >everything was done electronically. > > >--- >You are currently subscribed to acacia-admin-cl as: [FEtta(a)idrc.or.ke] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-acacia-admin-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Kenya National Assembly: http://www.parliament.go.ke/
by John Walubengo 08 Sep '05

08 Sep '05

http://www.parliament.go.ke/ Check out the above site. A classic case of what Bush calls 'A Clash of Civilisation'. walu. Background: For those outside Kenya who may not be upto speed with what happened. The Kenyan Parliament website was launched with much pomp and celebration 1week ago. But 48 hours later, it was administratively shutdown after several MPs expressed reservation regarding why their details - particularly academic- should be displayed. The shutdown is apparently occassioned to enable the webmaster collect more accurate information regarding the MPs. It remains to be seen if, and when the site comes up, those MPs who allegedly achieved primary level education, will have completed their degree level of education... I big clap for the IT Team at Kenya National Assembly(KNA) for having attempted to bring transparency and accountability through ICTs at KNA. Keep up the good fight. walu.

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Fwd: RE: [wsis-gc] Women's Rights Crucial for UN Summit Agend(er)
by Florence Etta 07 Sep '05

07 Sep '05

> FYI sorry for crossposting. Cheers, FE >Dear all, > >Women's Rights UN SUMMIT lobbying: >I would like to inform you of the possibility to "speak" or "Chat" with >European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Mr Louis >Michel. > > >Have a look to this Web page: > >The EU at the UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals - 12/09/2005 >http://europa.eu.int/comm/chat/michel/index_en.htm > >European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Mr Louis >Michel, is >going to New York to attend the United Nations Summit on the Millennium >Development >Goals (MDGs). > >He is going to New York to attend the United Nations Summit on the Millennium >Development Goals (MDGs). > >Just before he leaves, you will have the chance to take part in a two-hour >chat with >the Commissioner, live from Brussels, on a number of issues : What is the >European >Union doing about development and humanitarian aid? What do you think of >it? Are we >doing enough? How can you, and the EU, help to achieve the Millennium >Development >Goals? ¿Why not to ask about women rights? > >Put your questions direct to the Commissioner (*), live, on 12 September >between >18.00 and 20.00 CET, or send them already now to this mailbox >dev-webchatmichel(a)cec.eu.int <dev-webchatmichel(a)cec.eu.int>. >Remember, this is your chance to debate the issues live with your >Commissioner. > >* in English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Portuguese or Spanish > > > > >-- >Anne le Maignan >Foro GeneroUrban Género y urbanismo >http://www.generourban.org >Foro Araca Estudios Feministas >http://mailman.uba.ar/mailman/listinfo/araca > > > > Dear all, > > > > If I understood it correctly, the question is whether the MDG Summit is > > open > > for NGO influence. The actual Summit is not, what we heard was that we don > > not even have to try to come near 1st Avenue. If NGOs wish to influence > > the > > MDG Summit in September, they should do this by lobbying friendly > > governments. > > In June, there have been civil society hearings in the General Assembly. > > > > Kind regards, > > > > Annelien van Meer > > Information & Communication > > Femmes Africa Solidarité > > International Secretariat > > P.O. Box 5037 > > 8, Rue du Vieux-Billard > > CH-1211 Geneva 11, Switzerland > > Tel: +41 22 328 80 50 > > Fax: +41 22 328 80 52 > > Email: communication(a)fasngo.org > > > > >________________________________________ >wsis-gc is a listserve set up by the WSIS Gender Caucus, a global group of >women and men working on gender equality and Information Society issues. >It has been established to circulate information in preparation for the >World Summit on the Information Society, which takes place in two phases >-- WSIS 2003, December 2003 in Geneva and WSIS 2005 in Tunis. > >To post to this list use wsis-gc(a)genderwsis.org > >To learn more about the WSIS Gender Caucus check out the web-site at: >http://www.genderwsis.org > >For the WSIS Gender Caucus archives, go to: >http://lists.genderwsis.org/mailman/private/wsis-gc/ > >To subscribe/unsubscribe or change your options, go to >http://lists.genderwsis.org/mailman/listinfo/wsis-gc

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Re: [afnog] [Kictanet] Career Workshop for High School Girls
by Brian Longwe 06 Sep '05

06 Sep '05

All of a sudden when there are "chix" involved - the gurus start popping up ;-) hehehe ..... Just kiddin ..... That's a good idea, we need to develop our local human networks as much as possible. Regards, Brian On 5 Sep 2005, at 17:18, Sammy Lusiola wrote: > Ngigi, > > Perhaps you could consider rounding some gurus together and getting > them to > contribute at this event. I think it's about time we started giving > something back to the community. > > Sammy Lusiola > Systems Manager > ISPKenya > > > > > On 2 Sep 2005, at 16:44, Dorcas Muthoni wrote: > > >> On September 10, 2005 starting 9.30 a.m, members of LinuxChix >> Africa (www.africalinuxchix.org) who live in Kenya will to hold a >> Career Workshop for High School girls to encourage them to pursue >> careers in Computing. >> >> We believe that computing as a whole and Free and Open Source >> Software(FOSS) in particular, can play a significant role in >> empowering women. The copyleft nature of FOSS helps programmers to >> learn from programs or modify them so that they build on the >> innovations of others rather than re-invent the wheel: Great >> achievements can only be made by standing on the shoulders of giants. >> >> However, IT innovations and the opportunities are ineffectual if >> people are un-aware of them. The lack of awareness goes a long way >> in explaining the notable dearth of women in the IT industry in >> Kenya. A situation, that exists inspite of the fact that they >> achieve as well as the boys in pre-university examinations. Due to >> lack of access to information about the opportunities in the ICT >> field, girls who do well in their O-Levels often opt for other >> disciplines. The purpose of this workshop is to provide them with >> information on computing and also answer their questions regarding >> computing as a career. >> >> The team is composed of former and current Computer Science >> students and other players in the computing industry. Keynote >> speakers will comprise luminaries from various IT displines. We >> shall have women system administrators, system analysts, >> developers, academics, entreprenuers, CTOs and other computer >> scientists. The focus on women keynote speakers is a deliberate >> move that aimed at demonstrating success in the IT industry is not >> impeded by one's gender. It is hoped that the speakers will inspire >> and serve as role models to the girls. >> >> We expect up to 450 students to attend. The event will be held at >> the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Jubilee Hall Auditorium >> in collaboration with their Computer Science Department. >> >> Although this event is in commemoration of the Software Freedom >> Day, the team intends to build on the gains of the day by setting >> up Linuxchix Africa affliated clubs in the schools in order spread >> the spirit of opensisterhood in computing. >> >> In the afternoon starting *2.00 p.m*, we shall have discussion >> tables where industry players can freely interact with the students >> in order to share their experiences and inspirations. All are >> welcome. >> >> We shall distribute CDs and leaflets to the girls which they will >> be able to carry and share with others. >> >> This event will happen with support from Catholic University of >> Eastern Africa, KENIC, KICTANET and CATIA. We applaud them for >> their kindness. >> >> >> Thanks and regards, >> Dorcas Muthoni >> Team Leader >> Cofounder LinuxChix Africa >> >> <dmuthoni.vcf> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> > > > _______________________________________________ > afnog mailing list > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: > 9/2/2005 > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: > 9/2/2005 > > > >

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