- KICTANet - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] Central Bank of Kenya and Electronic Payments
by Barrack Otieno 25 Mar '15

25 Mar '15

Listers, A local electronic payment (RTGs) was initiated in my favor yesterday at 9 am. Until now i haven't received the funds 24 hours later and the bank seems to lay the blame with the Central Bank of Kenya clearing unit. I wonder if this is healthy for our growing electronic commerce industry and most importantly as stakeholders what role can we play to make sure CBK is efficient if the claims are true, i also wonder if this is a switching issue or pure bureaucracy. Best Regards -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/

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Sub GHZ ISM Bands
by Patrick Karanja 24 Mar '15

24 Mar '15

Hi, Would anyone be in a position to comment on the above. Where are we as country? regards Patrick

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Call for Fellowships for AIS'15 is Open
by Mwendwa Kivuva 24 Mar '15

24 Mar '15

FYI ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya "There are some men who lift the age they inhabit, till all men walk on higher ground in that lifetime." - Maxwell Anderson ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: AFRINIC Communication <comm-announce(a)afrinic.net> Date: 2015-03-24 10:57 GMT+03:00 Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Call for Fellowships for AIS'15 is Open To: africann(a)afrinic.net Dear Colleagues, The Call for Fellowships for the AIS'15 meeting, being held from 24 May to 5 June 2015 , in Tunis, Tunisia, is now open. The AFRINIC Fellowships are reserved for individuals representing organisations, universities, and media, who are actively involved in Internet operations, Internet development, or ICT policies in their countries. Selected candidates are expected to actively contribute to IP address management awareness in the AFRINIC service region. To qualify for a fellowship, you: * Must be a resident of an African nation * Don't need to be an AFRINIC member * Should have a technical (IT, Computer Science) background * Must not have benefited from previous AFRINIC fellowships * Are willing to report on how the Fellowship benefited you/your organisation/country within an agreed time frame Upon selection, candidates will be notified and will have seven (7) days to respond to the offer. A public announcement of the Fellowship awardees will be made after the acceptance of the selected candidates has been received. Please find below the schedule for the Fellowship process: * Call closes on: 12th April * Selected fellows contacted on: 20th April * Deadline for fellowship acceptance: 30th April * Fellows list announced on: 4th May The Fellowship includes: * Assistance with round-trip airfare to the meeting venue * Hotel accommodations for participation at the event during the plenary session days * Daily stipend If you think you meet the criteria above, please fill in the Fellowship application form upon registration ( http://internetsummitafrica.org/en/attend/register-log-in) and submit it with requested information before 13th April 2015. AFRINIC Team .............................................. Chers Collègues, Veuillez noter que l'appel à candidature pour le programme de bourse de l'AIS 2015, qui se tiendra du 24 mai au 5 juin 2015, à Tunis, Tunisie, est maintenant ouvert. Les bourses sont réservées en priorité aux individus provenant d'organisations, d'universités, ou médias, qui participent activement aux opérations et développement de l'internet ou des télécommunications dans leurs pays. Les bénéficiaires sont appelés à contribuer positivement aux programmes de sensibilisation de la gestion des ressources Internet dans notre région de service. Pour être éligible, le boursier : * doit être un résident d'un pays africain * doit avoir une formation technique (IT, informatique) * ne doit jamais avoir bénéficié d'une bourse AFRINIC * ne doit pas nécessairement être un membre d'AFRINIC. * devra aussi soumettre un rapport sur son expérience durant l'événement, détaillant comment sa participation bénéficiera à son organisation / pays. La bourse comprend : * une prise en charge partielle du billet aller-retour * la prise en charge total du séjour à l'hôtel pour l'événement (J-1 de la séance plénière jusqu'au dernier jour de l'événement) * une indemnité journalière Une annonce pour communiquer la liste des candidats sélectionnés sera diffusée. Veuillez consulter ci-dessous les dates clés du programme : * L'appel à candidature ferme le 12 avril * Prise de contact avec nos boursiers le 20 avril * Date limite pour accepter la bourse le 30 avril * Liste finale des boursiers annoncée le 4 mai Si vous pensez que vous remplissez les critères mentionnées, merci de remplir notre formulaire d'application en vous inscrivant à http://internetsummitafrica.org/en/attend/register-log-in et de le soumettre avec les informations requises avant le 13 avril. Nous vous souhaitons bonne chance et vous remercions pour votre participation ! L'Equipe d'AFRINIC _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Fwd: ICANN News Alert -- Call for Expressions of Interest to Host ICANN Meetings in 2017 and 2018
by Barrack Otieno 24 Mar '15

24 Mar '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Dandjinou Pierre" <pdandjinou(a)gmail.com> Date: Mar 24, 2015 11:38 AM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Fwd: ICANN News Alert -- Call for Expressions of Interest to Host ICANN Meetings in 2017 and 2018 To: "africann(a)afrinic.net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> Cc: Fyi, Pierre ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: ICANN News Alert <communications(a)icann.org> Date: Tue, Mar 24, 2015 at 2:06 AM Subject: ICANN News Alert -- Call for Expressions of Interest to Host ICANN Meetings in 2017 and 2018 To: Pdandjinou(a)gmail.com [image: ICANN] <http://www.icann.org/> News Alert https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2015-03-23-en ------------------------------ Call for Expressions of Interest to Host ICANN Meetings in 2017 and 2018 23 March 2015 ICANN is actively seeking hosts for its public meetings to be held in 2017 and 2018 in Europe, Africa, Asia/Australia/Pacific, North America, and Latin America/Caribbean. Those in the geographic regions are invited to submit expressions of interest for specific locations to hold the events. These recommended venues, along with others in the region that meet the selection criteria, will be considered. The final location for the ICANN Meetings will then be selected through the evaluation of both community-recommended and ICANN-identified locations. Meetings in 2017 and 2018 will follow the new ICANN Meeting Strategy <https://www.icann.org/resources/board-material/resolutions-2014-11-17-en> approved by the Board last November. The new strategy includes a unique format for each meeting throughout the year defined as Meeting A, Meeting B, and Meeting C. Interested parties are encouraged to review the Meeting Selection Criteria <http://meetings.icann.org/host> and space requirements for Meeting A <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 194 KB], Meeting B <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 124 KB] and Meeting C <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 204 KB], which will be used to guide the evaluation of both community-recommended and ICANN-identified meeting locations. Elements such as cost of the meeting for ICANN and the community, convenience to international airports, availability of sufficient hotel guest rooms in or near the venue, meeting facilities, network infrastructure, personal safety of meeting participants, and total level of financial support will be considered by ICANN in making its final selection of a meeting site. Those interested in hosting an ICANN Meeting in 2017 or 2018 are encouraged to submit proposals by *June 30th 2015* via the online form, Expression of Interest to Host an ICANN Meeting <https://icann.wufoo.com/forms/expression-of-interest-to-host-an-icann-meeti…> . Hosting Opportunities 2017-2018 Event Dates Geographic Region *Submission Deadline* ICANN58 12-17 March 2017 (Meeting A <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 194 KB]) Europe *30 June 2015* ICANN59 26-29 June 2017 (Meeting B <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 124 KB]) Africa ICANN60 28 Oct - 3 Nov 2017 (Meeting C <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 204 KB]) Asia/Australia/Pacific ICANN61 11-16 March 2018 (Meeting A <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 194 KB]) North America ICANN62 18-21 June 2018 (Meeting B <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 124 KB]) Latin America/Caribbean ICANN63 20-26 October 2018 (Meeting C <http://meetings.icann.org/sites/default/files/meetings/icann-meeting-space-…> [PDF, 204 KB]) Europe This message was sent to Pdandjinou(a)gmail.com from: ICANN News Alert | communications(a)icann.org | ICANN | 12025 Waterfront Drive Suite 300 | Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536 Email Marketing by [image: iContact - Try It Free!] <http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186> Manage Your Subscription <http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=14146552&l=6333&s=CJA4&m=96…> -- Pierre Dandjinou Cotonou - 229 90 087784 / 66566610 Dakar 221 77 639 30 41 www.scg.bj skype : sagbo1953 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Fwd: BREAKING: FCC protects net neutrality!
by Ali Hussein 23 Mar '15

23 Mar '15

FYI Ali Hussein +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: > From: "Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org" <info(a)colorofchange.org> > Date: February 27, 2015 at 1:20:26 AM EAT > To: "Ali Hussein" <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> > Subject: BREAKING: FCC protects net neutrality! > Reply-To: "Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org" <info(a)colorofchange.org> > > > The FCC just voted for strong net neutrality protections! > It's a huge civil rights victory, years in the making. > > And it wouldn't have happened without ColorOfChange members. > > Share the news and celebrate our victory: > > Share on Facebook. > Share on Twitter. > > Dear Ali, > > Big news: the FCC just voted to protect the open Internet by creating strong net neutrality protections! This is a major civil rights victory, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the voices of ColorOfChange members. > > Please take a moment to share the news and celebrate our victory: > > Share on Facebook. > Share on Twitter. > The open Internet is fueling a new civil rights movement. Without it, we might not have been able to spread the word about what happened to Mike Brown or Eric Garner. Our ability to be heard, counted, and visible in our democracy depends on net neutrality, because it allows voices and ideas to spread based on their quality — not the amount of money behind them. > > Because millions of people stood up to fight for net neutrality, the FCC is now putting in place strong rules to protect net neutrality. It’s hard to overstate how big this victory is. > > Net neutrality has always defined how the Internet works. Internet users and content providers pay to send and receive data at certain speeds — but in between, no one can interfere with how that information travels. It’s what makes the Internet so diverse, and so powerful. > > ColorOfChange.org wouldn’t have gotten off the ground without an open Internet. We began almost ten years ago with an email to a couple thousand friends and colleagues. Our membership grew as people signed our petitions and passed them on. Our message spread to the degree that it resonated. Now, we have more than a million members, and we’ve spearheaded or contributed to many important civil rights victories. > > For years, big Internet service providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast have tried to destroy net neutrality, so they can make a killing by creating fast and slow lanes online. If they succeed, corporations would dominate the Internet by paying to prioritize their content online, and the voices of everyday people would be drowned out or blocked entirely. > > Just a year ago, very few people thought a victory this big was possible. The telecom industry was spending millions to influence the debate, and it looked like they were winning. Sadly, they succeeded in buying the support of civil rights organizations like the NAACP, Rainbow PUSH, and National Action Network, who echoed talking points from the telecom industry rooted in trickle down economics. Some Black members of Congress joined the ISPs, after taking big campaign contributions from the telecom industry. > > As we raised our voices to make it clear that net neutrality is essential for civil rights, some of those who were being paid to carry water for the telecoms told us that this wasn’t our issue, and that we couldn’t win. They said we didn't know how Washington worked; that it was a done deal; that the big telecom companies and the legacy civil rights groups with telecom money were too strong for us and our allies to face down. > > What they underestimated was the power of everyday people using our voices strategically, empowered by the open Internet. ColorOfChange members worked together with members of organizations like the Center for Media Justice, the National Hispanic Media Coalition, Presente.org, Free Press, Demand Progress, Fight for the Future, CREDO Action, and MoveOn.org. Together, we stood up to big money and refused to back down, and we defied the conventional wisdom in Washington that says that money always beats people power. > > With the grassroots at their back, Black members of Congress like Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Keith Ellison and Rep. Maxine Waters rallied their colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to support net neutrality in greater numbers than ever before. President Obama spoke out forcefully — which would have been much harder for him to do if it looked like he was acting against the wishes of the civil rights community. The president’s action changed the political calculus in Washington, giving the FCC cover to push for stronger net neutrality rules. > > Now, the FCC is finally doing what supporters of net neutrality have been demanding for years. We’ll have to remain vigilant to make sure that the FCC enforces its rules aggressively, and that Congress doesn’t undermine net neutrality. > > But this is a massive victory, and it belongs to all of us. It means that future generations will have the ability to continue and expand our movements for justice and equality. > > Celebrate our victory by telling the story of how the voices of everyday people won against the big money of the telecom industry: > > Share on Facebook. > Share on Twitter. > Thanks and Peace, > > --Rashad, Arisha, Matt, Brandi, Dallas and the rest of the ColorOfChange team. > February 26, 2015 > > Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU—your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don't share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. > > > > You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.

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Music Piracy in Kenya - Government can Help
by Bernard Kioko [Bernsoft Interactive Limited] 23 Mar '15

23 Mar '15

Bwana Daktari, The music industry in Kenya is unable to grow. Companies like mine and individuals are investing money in creating music but the same cannot be commercialized effectively. One of the main problems is organized piracy. Take for example the website WAPKID.COM, this website provides almost every Kenyan song FREE FOR DOWNLOAD. The website at the moment lists the following as popular tags - meaning these are the artists whose content is currently heavily being downloaded. I understand that this website is offering pirated content because Music works that is owned and copyright administered by myself is being offered for FREE here - the total investment I made for the songs on offer is Ksh. 5million over the last 2 years and now I have no way to recover my investment by sales since consumers can opt for free. John De Mathew - Nimwamenyire Muno Wangari Wa Kabera - Aciari Redsun - Shika Glasi Sam Kinuthia - Muiritu Wa Gikomba Onyi Papa Jey - Migingo Dhi Muigai Njoroge - Muti Utari Matunda Kamaru - Nairobi Iraguo Ki Kamande Wa Kioi - Kapusi Kakwa Salim - Kanyina Kanini Kamande Wa Kioi - Githukia Tombo It's possible that these artists and many more don't actually know that this exists BUT millions of Kenyans are downloading the music and who is benefiting? The Network Operators who charge money based on the data downloads. Infact, at one point, one of the mobile operators even sent SMS advertisements to their subscribers urging them to access content from WapKid.com As an industry, we are bleeding and desperately in need of government support to stop this organized piracy that is benefiting local and international organization at the expense of our content and therefore killing and local development of content. As we seek your assistance, we are also doing something on our part. We will be meeting next week Wednesday 3rd October 3pm at Panafric as a music industry (Record labels, Kenya Copyright Board and Music Copyright Society of Kenya) to discuss and work out strategies that can help us especially in creating a clear licensing framework. We will also be announcing an Anti-Piracy Campaign called "iCareforMusic" whose aim is to educate the consumer on the benefits of getting music from licensed partners. We believe that either the government or the courts can issue an order blocking WAPKID.COM, MP3RAID.COM and any other website offering local music from being accessed and this is fairly easy at the ISP level. Before we take to the court route, we wish to seek a diplomatic route first. If we can stop this organized piracy, investing in a song would be worth it for the Artist, the Record Label and/or the music publisher. And in overall, KRA would collect tax from all of us. Everybody wins! Who knows, it would be even worth having a music studio at Konza City. Bwana PS, how can you assist our music industry? Kind regards Bernard Kioko Chief Executive Officer, Bernsoft

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Fwd: Growing the L-Root Footprint in Africa
by Bob Omondi 20 Mar '15

20 Mar '15

FYI... Bob. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bob Omondi <omondibob(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, Mar 20, 2015 at 10:09 PM Subject: Growing the L-Root Footprint in Africa To: AfrICANN list <africann(a)afrinic.net> Dear friends, We are happy to inform you of the continued interest we keep receiving from various Stakeholders / organizations keen on hosting our L-Root server instances in Africa. During ICANN 51, Fadi Chehade in his opening address noted the importance of keeping our L-Root copies actively growing, especially in Africa. Over the last year, we received close to eight requests from interested potential hosts and we are happy to report that 3 more L-Root copies have since been fully commissioned in 3 countries in Africa (Seychelles, Tanzania and Mauritius), all in the last three months. This brings to 12 in total, the number of L-Root copies in Africa and we are hopeful that by ICANN 55 in Marrakesh, we should have added more! This will significantly reduce the response time to resolve queries to the DNS root zone, enhancing Internet experience for users and, of course, strengthening Internet's critical infrastructure in Africa while demonstrating ICANN’s strong commitment to enhancing the stability & resiliency of the Internet globally. Kind Regards Bob.

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Notes from the webinar on ICANN registrar accreditation process
by Bob Omondi 20 Mar '15

20 Mar '15

FYI... B. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org> Date: Fri, Mar 20, 2015 at 10:59 AM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Notes from the webinar on ICANN registrar accreditation process To: AfrICANN list <africann(a)afrinic.net> Dear listers, (FRANCAIS: Vous pouvez ecouter l'enregistrement du webinaire a l'adresse http://ftp.adigo.com/clients/icann/20150318_AfricanWebinar_FR.zip ) This was informed by the continued feedback received from the community on the need to understand the process better. The webinar attracted a total of 53 participants. This further underscores the importance of this topic. The participants were privileged to have David Olive (Vice President, Policy Development Support; General Manager, ICANN Regional Headquarters –Istanbul) give introductory remarks during the session and truly appreciate the support of our the invited speakers who made the session quite a success. The substance of the session was Danielle’s presentation, which gave an overview of registrar accreditation process from benefits, considerations, application overview as well as fees required. Aysegul gave a summary of the RA Requirements of Registry Operators Pertaining to Registrars. As expected, the session generated pertinent questions that both current ICANN registrars as well as potential applicants in Africa have always asked, the question of the USD 500K CGL insurance requirement. Danielle clarified that while the insurance requirement has not changed as of now, it was the basis of the recently closed Public Comment Sought <https://www.icann.org/public-comments/raa-insurance-2015-01-15-en> on *Potential Change to Registrar Accreditation Insurance Requirement for underserved regions*.Other concerns were on the fluctuating dollar rates on fees especially in local currency. Overall, this webinar was critical in helping clarify questions and concerns from registrars directly by the GDD team. The community also got direct contacts of the relevant staff for further questions in future. It was recommended that we consider holding monthly webinars on such technical issues affecting registrars. The webinar recordings and presentation slides can be accessed here: http://ftp.adigo.com/clients/icann/20150318_AfricanWebinar_EN.zip http://ftp.adigo.com/clients/icann/20150318_AfricanWebinar_FR.zip The webinar agenda: 1. Opening - Pierre Dandjinou 2. Welcome introduction - David Olive 3. ICANN Registrar accreditation - Danielle Andela 4. Registry-Registrar relation - Aysegul Tekce 5. Q/A 6. Conclusion - Many thanks. - Yaovi Atohoun Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager – Africa ICANN – www.icann.org Mobile : +229 66015649 / 97891228 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Africa Domain Name System Forum – 6th to 8th July 2015 , Nairobi, Kenya
by Barrack Otieno 19 Mar '15

19 Mar '15

Theme: “The future of Africa's Domain Name Industry; Opportunities and challenges” Africa Top Level Domains Organization the regional organization for African ccTLDs is pleased to announce the 3rd Africa Domain Name System Forum which will take place from the 6th to 8th July 2015, in Nairobi, Kenya at the Sarova Panafric Hotel. The event is being hosted by the Kenya Network Information Center (keNIC). The forum which is in its 3rd year following successful forums in Durban, South Africa (2013), and Abuja, Nigeria (2015), is organized in partnership with the Internet Society (ISOC) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The Africa Domain Name System Forum brings together ccTLD registries, registrars and resellers as well as stakeholders from Africa and around the world to share, learn, interact and discuss ways in which the African Domain Name Space can be improved. The theme for this year’s forum is “The future of Africa's Domain Name Industry; Opportunities and challenges”. Registration To register for the forum, go to www.aftld.org/afdnsforum2015. Registration closes on 1 June 2015. Registration can also be made by going directly to the following link that is available on the event page https://www.internetsociety.org/form/dns-forum-africa. Event Website The event page is hosted by Africa Top Level Domains Organization at this link - http://www.aftld.org/afdnsforum2015 Agenda Information on the Agenda will be made available in the coming weeks. Contacts For more information, please contact: barrack@aftld.org,chege@isoc.org or bob.ochieng(a)icann.org -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno

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Fwd: Recent terror attacks and planned AIS, Afrinic, Afnog Meetings in Tunisia
by Brian Munyao Longwe 19 Mar '15

19 Mar '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Mar 19, 2015 at 11:40 AM Subject: Recent terror attacks and planned AIS, Afrinic, Afnog Meetings in Tunisia To: "Africann(a)afrinic.Net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> Cc: kictanet(a)lists.co.ke Dear all, I was shocked to hear the news this morning about yesterday's terrorist attack in Tunis in which 17 foreigners were killed. The attackers specifically targetted the foreigners. To what extent does this affect the upcoming planned meetings in Tunisia? These meetings usually bring together over 100 of Africa's leading Internet networking professionals over an extended period. This is a big risk, isn't it? Best regards, Brian

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Re: [kictanet] [AfrICANN-discuss] Recent terror attacks and planned AIS, Afrinic, Afnog Meetings in Tunisia
by Brian Munyao Longwe 19 Mar '15

19 Mar '15

what is nonsense about this? http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/mar/18/terror-attack-tunisia-bar… Tunisia terror attack: 19 dead after gunmen storm museum - Death toll at Bardo museum in Tunis includes 17 European tourists - A Tunisian security officer and cleaning woman were also shot dead - Two gunmen were killed but are believed to have had at least two accomplices - A further 24 were injured, including 22 tourists On Thu, Mar 19, 2015 at 11:53 AM, Dr Eberhard Lisse <el(a)lisse.na> wrote: > Nonsense. > > Unless you area 'murican. > > el > > On 2015-03-19 10:40, Brian Munyao Longwe wrote: > > Dear all, > > > > I was shocked to hear the news this morning about yesterday's terrorist > > attack in Tunis in which 17 foreigners were killed. The attackers > > specifically targetted the foreigners. > > > > To what extent does this affect the upcoming planned meetings in > > Tunisia? These meetings usually bring together over 100 of Africa's > > leading Internet networking professionals over an extended period. This > > is a big risk, isn't it? > > > > Best regards, > > > > Brian > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > AfrICANN mailing list > > AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net > > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann > > > > -- > Dr. Eberhard W. Lisse \ / Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (Saar) > el(a)lisse.NA / * | Telephone: +264 81 124 6733 (cell) > PO Box 8421 \ / > Bachbrecht, Namibia ;____/ > _______________________________________________ > AfrICANN mailing list > AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann >

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Fw: [rpd] Fwd: Fwd: Call for Nominations for Board Candidates - Nominations de Candidats pour le CA
by Walubengo J 19 Mar '15

19 Mar '15

Apologies for cross-posting, Afrinic - the organisation in charge of Internet Numbers (IPs) is seeking for Board members to represent the East Africa Region as well as the Southern African region. If interested in managing internet resources & shaping Internet Policies at a global level, please feel free to apply. rgds walu. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Ernest <ernest(a)afrinic.net> To: contact(a)afrinic.net; AfriNIC Resource Policy Discussion List <rpd(a)afrinic.net>; announce(a)afrinic.net; africann(a)afrinic.net Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 6:10 PM Subject: [rpd] Fwd: Fwd: Call for Nominations for Board Candidates - Nominations de Candidats pour le CA [VERSION FRANCAISE PLUS BAS] Dear All, We are pleased to inform you that nominantion process for the AfriNIC Board Seat 5 (Southern Africa) and Board Seat 6 (Eastern Africa) is now open. The deadline for nominations is 15 April 2015 at 20:00 UTC. Please see details at: https://afrinic.net/en/library/news/1331-call-for-nominations-for-board-can…. For NomCom 2015 Boubakar Barry, Chair --- Chers Tous, Nous avons le plaisir de vous informer que le processus de nomination pour le Siege 5 (Afrique Australe) et le Siege 6 (Afrique de l'Est) du Conseil d'Administration d'AfriNIC a demarre. La date limite pour les nominations est le 15 avril 2015 a 20:00 TU. Merci de voir les details a: https://afrinic.net/en/library/news/1331-call-for-nominations-for-board-can…. Pour NomCom 2015 Boubakar Barry, President _______________________________________________ rpd mailing list rpd(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/rpd

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Reminder/Rappel: March 18, 04:00 pm UTC: Webinar on ICANN Registrars Accreditation Process
by Bobs 18 Mar '15

18 Mar '15

Fyi... Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: > From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org> > Date: March 18, 2015 at 11:10:26 AM GMT+3 > To: AfrICANN list <africann(a)afrinic.net> > Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Reminder/Rappel: March 18, 04:00 pm UTC: Webinar on ICANN Registrars Accreditation Process > Reply-To: AfrICANN list <africann(a)afrinic.net> > > Dear listers: this is a just a reminder (see full announcement below) > Bonjour: C'est juste un rappel (annonce complete ci-dessous). > - > Yaovi Atohoun > Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager – Africa > ICANN – www.icann.org > Mobile : +229 66015649 / 97891228 > > > > From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org> > Date: Thursday, March 12, 2015 7:28 PM > To: AfrICANN list <africann(a)afrinic.net> > Subject: March 18, 04:00 pm UTC: Webinar on ICANN Registrars Accreditation Process > > Dear all > (FRANCAIS plus bas) > > We would like to invite you to join a Webinar on the ICANN Registrars Accreditation Process on Wednesday 18 March 2015 from 16:00 to 17:00 UTC. English-French interpretation will be provided. > > Please use https://icann.adobeconnect.com/gseemea/ to join this webinar. > If you are unable to join via AdobeConnect, please dial in with the Adigo numbers (www.adigo.com/icann) and Adigo conference bridge. There are two bridges, one for English (21912) and one for French (21857). > Should you need a dial out from the Adigo operator, please inform either Yaovi Atohoun (Yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org) or Renate De Wulf (renate.dewulf(a)icann.org) by Tuesday March 17th latest. > > The agenda is a follows: > Opening by Pierre Dandjinou (2 minutes) > Welcome introduction by David Olive (3 minutes) > Presentation by Danielle Andela on ICANN Registrar accreditation (20 minutes) > Presentation by Aysegul Tekce on Registry-Registrar relation (10 minutes) > Q/A (25 minutes) > Conclusion > > Thanks > ------------------------- > > FRANCAIS > > Vous êtes cordialement invités au webinaire sur le processus d'accréditation des registraires par l'ICANN qui aura lieu le mercredi 18 mars 2015 de 16h à 17h UTC. Il y a aura une interpretation simultanée Anglais-Français > Prière utiliser https://icann.adobeconnect.com/gseemea/ pour suivre les présentations. > Si vous n'êtes pas en mesure de vous connecter avec AdobeConnect, prière appeler le numéro approprié (www.adigo.com/icann) et le bridge ADIGO. Le canal Anglais est le 21912 et le canal Français sur le 21875. > Un opérateur peut aussi appeler votre numéro de téléphone pour vous connecter au webinar si vous le souhaitez. Dans ce cas, prière envoyer votre numéro de téléphone à aYaovi Atohoun (Yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org) ou Renate De Wulf (renate.dewulf(a)icann.org) au plus tard le mardi 17 mars 2015. > Nous voudrions vous rappeler que l’audio sur Adobe Connect est uniquement en anglais. Prière donc de désactiver l'audio lorsque vous vous connectez à Adobe Connect. Pour le son en français, veuillez composer l'un des numéros (voir liste numéros à l'adresse www.adigo.com/icann) introduisez 21857 comme conférence ID lorsque cela est demandé et vous recevrez l’audio en français. Si vous préférez qu'un opérateur vous appelle, veuillez nous communiquer votre numéro de téléphone (y compris votre choix de langue) au plus tard le 17 mars comme indiqué dans l'annonce initiale . > > Agenda > Ouverture par Pierre Dandjinou (2mn) > Mot de bienvenue par David Olive (3mn) > Présentation par Danielle Andela sur l'accréditation des Registraires (20mn) > Présentation par Aysegul Tekce: RelationsRegistres et registraires (10 mn) > Questions/Reponses (25 mn) > Conclusion > Merci > - > Yaovi Atohoun > Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager – Africa > ICANN – www.icann.org > Mobile : +229 66015649 / 97891228 > > > _______________________________________________ > AfrICANN mailing list > AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Fw: Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Call for Presentations for the Africa Internet Summit 2015 - One Week Left To Submit Your Presentation Proposal
by Network of non- formal Educational institutions 17 Mar '15

17 Mar '15

On Tuesday, March 17, 2015 1:09 PM, Patricia Senghor <patricia(a)afrinic.net> wrote: Hi everyone, Please find below as a gentle reminder. If you wish to present during the Africa Internet Summit (AIS), please submit your proposal before 24 March 2015. Best, Patricia -------- Forwarded Message -------- | Subject: | [AfrICANN-discuss] Call for Presentations for the Africa Internet Summit 2015 - One Week Left To Submit Your Presentation Proposal | | Date: | Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:11:45 +0400 | | From: | AFRINIC Communication <comm-announce(a)afrinic.net> | | Reply-To: | AfrICANN list <africann(a)afrinic.net> | | To: | africann(a)afrinic.net | Dear Colleagues, The Call for Presentations for the Africa Internet Summit, AIS15, is still open. We invite all individuals wishing to present during the meeting, which will be held from 24 May - 5 June 2015 in Tunis, Tunisia to submit their presentation abstract. To enrich the discussions and share knowledge with the technical community at AIS15, we are seeking presentations of a wide range of issues, broadly related to access and development of the Internet in Africa. We are specifically interested in presentations focusing on: Internet Governance E-governance Core Internet Infrastructure Access, Utility and Development The Internet and Economic Development Business Practices and Technology Higher Education in the Age of Technology Cyber Security Technology and Business Cloud Computing Open Data/Big Data Technology and Content Production Relations between Mobile Operators and the Internet Community Mobile Applications IPv6 Peering and Interconnection DNS RPKI IXPs Your contribution can be in the form of a presentation during a session, a tutorial, or a live technical demonstration. Kindly read all information carefully before submitting your proposal. Speakers Guidelines Presentations should be 15 -30 minutes in length, with approximately 10-15 minutes for Q&A at the end of each presentation. The maximum time allotted per presentation will not exceed 45 minutes. We shall send you a URL of our online submission system to upload your final presentation slides. The presenter(s) will be required to upload their final presentation in PDF format, no later than three (3) days prior to the presentation date. Presenters are responsible for producing any handouts should they require them. There are usually approximately 200 delegates in each session. Tutorials can range from 90 minutes to half a day in length. Presentations with marketing and/or commercial content are not allowed. How to submit: Please send submissions to: aiscfp[at]afrinic.net. Your proposal should contain the following information: Full Name Email Address Affiliation Title of Presentation A detailed abstract or outline describing the presentation Draft slides for the presentation (if ready/available) Length of talk (minutes) Short biography Important dates to note Deadline for submitting an application 24 March 2015 Notification of acceptance of application 31 March 2015 Final submission of draft presentation 30 April 2015 Submission of final presentation - 24 May 2015 If you are interested in presenting at AIS'15, please send us an abstract of 300 words or less outlining the key ideas of your presentation, tutorial, or demonstration at: aiscfp[(a)]afrinic.net. We look forward to reading your proposals. AIS Team

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Communications regulator raises Sh2.5 billion, surpasses fund's target - See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/article/communications-regulator-raises-sh25-billion-surpasses-funds-target#sthash.9MiUPHuh.dpuf
by Grace Githaiga 17 Mar '15

17 Mar '15

THE Universal Service Fund kitty now stands at Sh2.5 billion, the Communication Authority of Kenya has said. The director general Francis Wangusi said CA exceeded the collection targets by an estimated Sh900 million in the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 financial years. http://www.the-star.co.ke/article/communications-regulator-raises-sh25-bill…

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FW: Scholarships for ICT4D Masters at Manchester
by GG 13 Mar '15

13 Mar '15

-----Original Message----- From: "Karel Novotný" <karel(a)apc.org> Sent: 12 March 2015 14:17 To: "APC Members list" <apc.members(a)lists.apc.org> Subject: [apc.members] Scholarships for ICT4D Masters at Manchester Dear members, Some of you might be interested in this study opportunity. best regards karel -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Scholarships for ICT4D Masters at Manchester Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2015 12:25:10 +0000 From: Richard Heeks <richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk> To: Richard Heeks <richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk> If you know someone interested in studying ICT4D at MSc level, could you please let them know about this? The University of Manchester's _one-year MSc ICTs for Development degree_ <http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/idpm/postgraduatetaught/courselis…> aims to create "ICT4D champions" who combine technical competencies in information systems and project management with an understanding of development context and practice. The 2015 Development Leadership Scholarships - worth £16,000 - are available for developing country applicants to the MSc ICT4D programme. Applicants should apply for the MSc by April and for the scholarship by end May. Application and eligibility details can be found at: _http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/fees/postgraduate-taught-funding/idpm/_ Potential applicants are welcome to contact me with questions. They can find details of this year’s overseas fieldwork trip (included in the programme) at: _https://twitter.com/hashtag/DIG2015_SA_ With thanks Richard Heeks Director _Centre for Development Informatics_ <http://www.cdi.manchester.ac.uk/> University of Manchester, UK _______________________________________________ APC.members mailing list Info and options: http://lists.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/apc.members -------------------------------------- Temporary access to APC Member Meeting page: http://meeting.apc.org/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=APCcm2014-December user: apc-member pswd: apc2014! -------------------------------------- All conversations that take place on this list are considered confidential. As a member of the APC network, you are expected to respect this confidentiality. If you wish to circulate or quote a post from the APC.members list in any other space or forum, you MUST receive permission from the person who made the quote first on the APC.members listserv.

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] March 18, 04:00 pm UTC: Webinar on ICANN Registrars Accreditation Process
by Bob Omondi 12 Mar '15

12 Mar '15

Dear Listers, Let me share with you the below message for those who would like to become ICANN accredited Registrars. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org> Date: 2015-03-12 21:28 GMT+03:00 Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] March 18, 04:00 pm UTC: Webinar on ICANN Registrars Accreditation Process To: AfrICANN list <africann(a)afrinic.net> Dear all (FRANCAIS plus bas) We would like to invite you to join a Webinar on the ICANN Registrars Accreditation Process on Wednesday 18 March 2015 from 16:00 to 17:00 UTC. English-French interpretation will be provided. Please use https://icann.adobeconnect.com/gseemea/ to join this webinar. If you are unable to join via AdobeConnect, please dial in with the Adigo numbers (www.adigo.com/icann) and Adigo conference bridge. There are two bridges, one for English (21912) and one for French (21857). Should you need a dial out from the Adigo operator, please inform either Yaovi Atohoun (Yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org) or Renate De Wulf ( renate.dewulf(a)icann.org) *by Tuesday March 17th latest*. The draft agenda is a follows: 1. Opening by Pierre Dandjinou (2mn ) 2. Welcome introduction by David Olive (3mn) 3. Presentation by Danielle Andela on ICANN Registrar accreditation (10mn) 4. Presentation by Mert Saka: Registrars and Registries (10mn) 5. Q/A (20mn) 6. Conclusion Thanks ------------------------- FRANCAIS Vous êtes cordialement invités au webinaire sur le processus d'accréditation des registraires par l'ICANN qui aura lieu le mercredi 18 mars 2015 de 16h à 17h UTC. Il y a aura une interpretation simultanée Anglais-Français Prière utiliser https://icann.adobeconnect.com/gseemea/ pour suivre les présentations. Si vous n'êtes pas en mesure de vous connecter avec AdobeConnect, prière appeler le numéro approprié (www.adigo.com/icann) et le bridge ADIGO. Le canal Anglais est le 21912 et le canal Français sur le 21875. Un opérateur peut aussi appeler votre numéro de téléphone pour vous connecter au webinar si vous le souhaitez. Dans ce cas, prière envoyer votre numéro de téléphone à aYaovi Atohoun (Yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org) ou Renate De Wulf (renate.dewulf(a)icann.org) au plus tard le mardi 17 mars 2015. Agennda provisoire 1. Ouverture par Pierre Dandjinou (2mn) 2. Mot de bienvenue par David Olive (3mn) 3. Présentation par Danielle Andela sur l'accréditation des Registraires (10 mn) 4. Présentation par Mert Saka: Registres et registraires (10 mn) 5. Questions/Reponses (20 mn) 6. Conclusion Merci - Yaovi Atohoun Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager – Africa ICANN – www.icann.org Mobile : +229 66015649 / 97891228 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Re: [kictanet] DIGITAL MIGRATION - SEASON 2 (Now KBC directed to hand over Signet)
by GG 12 Mar '15

12 Mar '15

It would be interesting to get a response from the relevant authorities. And the more I think about it, the more I think that maybe the big three had a case in kicking their tantrum. --- Original Message --- From: "Ali Hussein" <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> Sent: 12 March 2015 13:02 To: "GG" <ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] DIGITAL MIGRATION - SEASON 2 (Now KBC directed to hand over Signet) Yup... *Ali Hussein* Tel: +254 770 906375/ 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> Blog: www.alyhussein.com Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. On Thu, Mar 12, 2015 at 3:46 PM, GG <ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > @Ali, interesting. > > At what point will Signet revert to the public? Will the public be allowed > to buy shares into it? Is there a model in place or are there private > individuals/companies already waiting on the sidelines and who will be > prioritised to be 'true owners?' > > This reeks of corruption! > > --- Original Message --- > > From: "Ali Hussein via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: 11 March 2015 08:41 > To: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com > Subject: [kictanet] DIGITAL MIGRATION - SEASON 2 (Now KBC directed to > hand over Signet) > > Listers > > I found this article in the Nation quite curious. I hope somebody has > gotten their story mixed up. > > > > http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Now-KBC-directed-to-hand-over-Signet/-/1056/26… > > > The other issue is how we as Kenyans hand over digital signals to a > Foreign Company without ANY local shareholding. What are we smoking? > > See story. > > > *Ali Hussein* > > > > > > Tel: +254 770 906375/ 713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > > Skype: abu-jomo > > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> > > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > > > Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely > mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the > organizations that I work with. >

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Integrated data system to make e-government a reality
by S.M. Muraya 11 Mar '15

11 Mar '15

Interesting news here http://www.president.go.ke/integrated-data-system-to-make-e-government-a-re… The site of a Ukranian consortium notes their work in Kenya since 2008. These are comments made in 2012... http://www.edaps.com/en/news/n1961 Trust when we are replacing/upgrading the system in 2030 we will have a document like this for public consumption. http://www.ssb.no/a/english/publikasjoner/pdf/doc_201232_en/doc_201232_en.p… We must always factor knowledge transfer otherwise in in 2030 we will still rely on foreigners for this kind of work already being done by locals/Kenyans working in telcos and banks.

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DIGITAL MIGRATION - SEASON 2 (Now KBC directed to hand over Signet)
by Ali Hussein 11 Mar '15

11 Mar '15

Listers I found this article in the Nation quite curious. I hope somebody has gotten their story mixed up. http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Now-KBC-directed-to-hand-over-Signet/-/1056/26… The other issue is how we as Kenyans hand over digital signals to a Foreign Company without ANY local shareholding. What are we smoking? See story. *Ali Hussein* Tel: +254 770 906375/ 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> Blog: www.alyhussein.com Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.

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Pilot Project - E-Mail Services
by S.M. Muraya 10 Mar '15

10 Mar '15

Heard (a rumor not fact) that local firms are likely to be locked out of an e-mail services tender if they have not deployed a system with 15,000 or more users. Pilot Projects (using local firms) are the best way to begin these initiatives. For example, in 2013, www.uci.edu had over 9000 staff and over 28,000 students. Their pilot project involved less than 2% of the end users :) http://www.oit.uci.edu/wp-content/uploads/MicrosoftOffice365ExchangePilotPr… The pilot involved 117 users across 8 departments with an additional 345 users moved to Office365 Exchange as part of Paul Merage School of Business mass-adoption for their student and staff population. In total, UCI’s Office365 Exchange environment hosted 461 users at the end of the pilot testing. The students and staff within the Paul Merage School of Business have been excluded from the totals represented in this summary. http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=851&sid=3737066 *Navy is moving its email to the cloud - only questions are how and when* Thursday - 11/6/2014, 1:25pm ET Jared Serbu @jserbuWFED Navy officials say it's a foregone conclusion that they will eventually migrate their email services to the cloud. The big questions are how, when and what type of cloud services they'll use. A pilot project the Navy launched in October using Microsoft Office 365 will attempt to offer some answers, and if all goes according to plan, it also will close a longstanding gap in the Navy's existing IT capabilities. The target population involves 45,000 Navy reservists who are held to roughly the same training requirements as the active duty force. But the reservists can't access the Navy's networks unless they're physically present at a Navy facility, and 65 percent of those sailors live more than two hours away from the closest one. If officials succeed in integrating Office 365, the cloud version of the ubiquitous office suite, the pilot users should be able to access their email and other portions of the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) from just about any computer by September of next year.

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INVITATION TO ATTEND A PUBLIC CONSULTATIVE FORUM ON REVIEW OF SECTOR REGULATIONS
by Ali Hussein 09 Mar '15

09 Mar '15

Listers In case you missed this ad/invitation from CA please see attached. I don't recall seeing this in the dailies or on Kictanet. For those interested in continuing the engagement with policy makers please make a point of attending. Venue: Ole Sereni Day & Time: 10th March (From 9.00 am) - I think its a full day event Agenda: Would be nice for CA to post the Agenda on the list to enable stakeholders to prepare. Confirm attendance: regulationsreview(a)ca.go.ke Regards *Ali Hussein* Tel: +254 770 906375/ 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> Blog: www.alyhussein.com >

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Why would you regard Konza Technocity as a white elephant?
by John Kieti 09 Mar '15

09 Mar '15

Dear Listers, Am a big believer in the validity of the Konza Technocity dream. Last week I went through online arguments opposing the project and am beginning to conclude that they are about two issues :- (1) *What sectoral interventions are urgent and which are important?* *(2) Whether real estate and physical infrastructure are valid interventions in the ICT sector.* I penned down my counter arguments in an article "why would you call Konza Technocity a white elephant? <http://www.gmeltdown.com/2015/03/is-konza-technocity-white-elephant.html> ". Am curious to hear from pundits here what the current popular position on these sticky issues is.. Best regards -- John Kieti Phone: +254-735-764242 // +254-722-764242 Twitter: @johnKieti // Skype: jkieti Blog: gmeltdown.com <http://www.gmeltdown.com> // LinkedIn: https://ke.linkedin.com/in/*kieti* <https://ke.linkedin.com/in/kieti> The ordinary just won't do

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archives.go.ke
by S.M. Muraya 08 Mar '15

08 Mar '15

Not sure if archives.go.ke is functional... http://archives.go.ke/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi? US Archives.gov.. seems to favor working solutions, not large international tenders favoring foreign firms :) http://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/policy/pilot-guidance.html *Recommended Practice: Developing and Implementing an Enterprise-wide Electronic **Records Management (ERM) Proof of Concept Pilot* A proof of concept pilot project is an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of Electronic Records Management (ERM) software on a small area and in a controlled manner. A pilot project is an excellent risk mitigation strategy for an agency planning to implement a ERM system. It can also serve to inform or resolve an alternatives analysis for an agency during the investment planning phase. The pilot helps determine whether the software is appropriate for use by the agency and how easily it can be configured, providing hands-on experience for records managers, information technology (IT) personnel, and users.

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Trojan horses in the Safaricom stable
by Mark Mwangi 08 Mar '15

08 Mar '15

John just posted malware. Do not click on that link. On Sat, Mar 7, 2015 at 6:03 PM, John K. Njoroge via skunkworks < skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: > Check out http://youthdollar.com/?cashlink=13732 > > > > > > On Friday, March 6, 2015, Mbugua Njihia via skunkworks < > skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: > >> With the transport play, the drive for government payments and the dash >> for B2B payments painting the bigger picture, you cannot blame smart people >> for making smart strategic moves - >> http://www.mbuguanjihia.com/business/trojan-horses-safaricom-stable.html >> >> ᐧ >> > > > -- > Sent from Gmail Mobile > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke > -- Regards, Mark Mwangi markmwangi.me.ke

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Fwd: [IGFSA] Call for nomination
by Mwendwa Kivuva 07 Mar '15

07 Mar '15

FYI ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya "There are some men who lift the age they inhabit, till all men walk on higher ground in that lifetime." - Maxwell Anderson ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Raul Echeberria <echeberria(a)isoc.org> Date: Fri, Mar 6, 2015 at 5:51 PM Subject: [IGFSA] Call for nomination To: "IGFSA(a)elists.isoc.org" <IGFSA(a)elists.isoc.org> Dear all, I would like to bring to your attention that Ms. Alice Munyua has asked us to be relieved of her function as a member of the Executive Committee, due to work overload. We have accepted her resignation with regrets and thank Alice for serving as a member of the Executive Committee since IGFSA's inception. She will be greatly missed. While the members of the Executive Committee are elected by the General Assemble, the IGFSA Articles of Association provide for a mechanism to replace an Executive Committee member before completing his or her term, according to Article 11 of the Article of Association ("In the event an Executive Committee member is unable to complete his or her term, the Executive Committee may appoint a replacement to serve until the end of the term."). The IGFSA Executive Committee decided therefore to issue an open call for nominations of suitable candidates to replace Alice. The criteria for membership apply to an even greater degree to members of the Executive Committee. Candidates are expected, through their commitment or actions, to have proved their attachment to the aims of the Association, that is to promote and support the global IGF as well as the national and regional IGF initiatives. The members of the Executive Committee serve as volunteers. The function of the Executive Committee is set forth in the Articles of Association: "The Executive Committee is the executive decision-making body of the Association. It manages the affairs of the Association in accordance with the provisions of these Articles. In so doing, it seeks to represent the interests of the Association Members as a whole." Candidates interested in the position need to be willing to: · take part in regular monthly calls · support fundraising and outreach activities. Please send your nomination or self-nomination with a short Statement of Interest by 30IGFSA(a)elists.isoc.org March 2015 to the following email address: igfsa(a)isoc.org Priority will be given to nominees from developing countries. Many thanks for your interest Best regards Raúl Echeberría _______________________________________________ IGFSA mailing list IGFSA(a)elists.isoc.org https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/listinfo/igfsa

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iHub Turns 5
by Phares Kariuki 07 Mar '15

07 Mar '15

We penned some thoughts as the iHub turns 5 https://angani.co/blog/ihub-turns-5/ The local tech community has come a long way http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com/ -- Warm Regards, Phares Kariuki *E*: pkariuki(a)gmail.com | *Twitter*: kaboro | *B*: http://www.angani.co | Angani Limited

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FW: [Igfregionals] Invitation to participate in IGF2015 preparatory process
by Grace Githaiga 06 Mar '15

06 Mar '15

Might of interest to some of you. RgdsGG From: cmasango(a)unog.ch Date: Fri, 6 Mar 2015 12:09:43 +0100 To: igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org Subject: [Igfregionals] Invitation to participate in IGF2015 preparatory process Dear Regional and National IGF initiatives, As you are aware, preparations for the 2015 meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) are already in process. This year there is a particular emphasis on inter-sessional work. The Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) has recommended in its virtual meeting of 3 March that National and Regional IGF initiatives be approached and invited to participate more closely in the preparation process. It is hoped that such participation will serve to strengthen the synergies and connections that exist between National and Regional initiatives and the IGF, thereby enriching the discourse. The “Evolution of Internet Governance: Empowering Sustainable Development” has been chosen for as the main overarching theme of IGF 2015. With eight sub-themes that are as follows: · Cybersecurity and trust; · The Internet economy; · Inclusiveness and diversity; · Openness; · Enhancing multistakeholder cooperation; · The Internet and human rights; · Critical Internet resources; and · Emerging issues. The MAG has recommended that a formal invitation be extended to all national and regional initiatives both to contribute to the horizontal global inter-sessional theme for this year: "Policy Menus for Connecting the Next Billion", and to develop messages and/ or conclusions that will support the global IGF inter-sessional work. The MAG also recommended that regional and national IGFs be invited to participate in the Best Practice Forums (BPFs). The mailing lists for the associated themes for this year’s BPFs are as follows: · Regulation and mitigation of unwanted communications (http://mail.intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/bp_spam_intgovforum.org);· Establishing and supporting Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) for Internet security (http://mail.intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/bp_certs_intgovforum.org);· Developing meaningful multistakeholder participation mechanisms (http://mail.intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/bp_multistakeholder_intgovforu… Practices to countering abuse against women online (http://mail.intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/bp_counteringabuse_intgovforum… IPv6 (http://mail.intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/bp_ipv6_intgovforum.org) and· IXPs (http://mail.intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/bp_ixps_intgovforum.org) For these reasons, the IGF Secretariat kindly invites National and Regional IGF initiatives to: Introduce the theme and sub-themes of the upcoming IGF to the discussions held during 2015 whenever possible;Provide suggestions relating to ideas on the basic pillars that will help operationalize and advance inter-sessional work during 2015;Contribute to the discussions regarding the development of “Policy Menus for Connecting the Next Billion”; Distribute this message widely amongst multistakeholder participants involved with your respective IGFs; and Make any suggestions and/or inputs on how we can maximise, facilitate and strengthen your engagement with BPF and inter-sessional work. We look forward to continuing and strengthening the collaboration that already exists between National and Regional IGF initiatives and the IGF.For further queries please kindly contact igf(a)unog.chBest regards,Chengetai ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Chengetai MasangoProgramme and Technology ManagerSecretariat of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)Dependance La PelousePalais des NationsCH - 1211 Genève 10e-mail: cmasango(a)unog.chTel : +41(0)22 917 57 68Fax : +41(0)22 917 00 92 _______________________________________________ Igfregionals mailing list Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/igfregionals_intgovforum.org

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Trojan horses in the Safaricom stable
by Mbugua Njihia 06 Mar '15

06 Mar '15

With the transport play, the drive for government payments and the dash for B2B payments painting the bigger picture, you cannot blame smart people for making smart strategic moves - http://www.mbuguanjihia.com/business/trojan-horses-safaricom-stable.html ᐧ

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Rwanda tops affordable internet index
by Ali Hussein 06 Mar '15

06 Mar '15

Listers Interesting read. East African nation Rwanda was ranked the top nation among developing countries with affordable internet by the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI). Question:- How is this possible? See more at:- http://www.itwebafrica.com/ict-and-governance/389-rwanda/234265-rwanda-tops… Regards Ali Hussein +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein Sent from my iPad

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Safaricom halves its internet bundles pricing
by Ali Hussein 05 Mar '15

05 Mar '15

Listers Safaricom has basically halved the price of its internet bundles. http://safaricom.com/bundles/ Predatory Pricing or meeting a market demand? Who benefits and who looses? These are the questions that we must ask. From where I'm sitting I can tell you one thing for sure - I'm not complaining about these new prices. I'm even willing to forgive them for capping my bundles to one month... Although it does raise pertinent issues on Net Neutrality. Let's look at it this way:- I used to buy 1k worth of bundles which got me 1.5GB plus a 750MB bonus exclusively for night use (between 10.00pm - 10.00am) Now for the same 1k I get:- 2GB plus 2GB bonus for night use. Predatory pricing or consumer based pricing? The answer depends on whether you are a consumer or Competitor. :) One thing is for sure. These prices can come down further. (We Kenyans are never satisfied, right?) :) Weekly Internet Bundle (Please Select One) 4MB + 4MB (Ksh 5) 10MB + 10 MB (Ksh 10) 30MB + 30 MB (Ksh 25) 65MB + 65 MB (Ksh 50) Monthly Internet Bundle: (Please Select One) 100MB + 100MB (Ksh.100) 300MB + 300MB (Ksh.250) 650MB + 650MB (Ksh.500) 2GB + 2GB (Ksh 1000) 5GB + 5GB (Ksh 2000) 10GB +10GB (Ksh 3000) 25GB + 25GB (Ksh 5750) 50GB + 50GB (Ksh 6750) Activate Internet At 2/= a Minute Subscribe Unsubscribe Ali Hussein +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein Sent from my iPad

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Hillary Clinton Comments for First Time on Email Controversy | TheBlaze.com
by S.M. Muraya 05 Mar '15

05 Mar '15

Lesson for Kenya.. Transparency forces Leaders perform.. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/05/hillary-clinton-comments-for-fir… Hillary Clinton Comments for First Time on Email Controversy Mar. 5, 2015 12:02am Oliver Darcy Hillary Clinton said in a tweet Wednesday night that she has asked the State Department to release all of her email. “I want the public to see my email,” she tweeted. “I asked State to review them. They said they will review them for release as soon as possible.” On Monday, the New York Times reported that Clinton may have violated federal rules by exclusively using a personal email address to conduct all official government business while serving as secretary of state. According to the Times, she never had an official government email address. —Follow Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy)

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Re: [kictanet] PayPal Workshop
by Bernard Kioko 05 Mar '15

05 Mar '15

Tomorrow. Apologies. On Mar 4, 2015 3:58 PM, "Emmanuel Khisa" <oloo.khisa(a)googlemail.com> wrote: > Hi Ben, > > Which date! > > On Wed, Mar 4, 2015 at 3:20 PM, Bernard Kioko via kictanet < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > >> Further to the earlier email I did send. Members of this list have been >> invited to attend the PayPal Workshop for free. >> >> Venue: Sarova Panafric >> Time: 8.30am to 1pm >> >> Kind regards >> >> Bernard >> >> * ------------------------------ * >> >> >> >> This e-mail and any attachments may contain information that is >> confidential, legally privileged and protected by law and is intended for >> the sole use of the named recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, or >> disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Any liability (in negligence or >> otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting >> on any information contained in this email is hereby excluded. If you are >> not the intended recipient, please delete the contents and notify the >> sender immediately; do not disclose the contents to any other person, use >> it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any medium. Whilst >> our e-mails are checked for viruses, we cannot guarantee that this message >> or any attachment is virus free, does not contain malicious code or is >> incompatible with your electronic system and the Company does not accept >> liability in respect of viruses, malicious code or any related problems >> that you might experience. For further information about us, please contact >> us at the address indicated below. >> >> >> Bernsoft Interactive Limited - P O Box 15177-00100 Nairobi - Tel: +254 >> 722 929192 Email: admin(a)bernsoft.com Web: www.bernsoft.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/oloo.khisa%40gmail.com >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >> > > > > -- > ‎"Service to Mankind is the greatest form of service"... > > > > > > *Oloo KhisaP.O. Box > 24324-00100Nairobi0721321086/0731849128http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa > <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa>* > -- * ------------------------------ * This e-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law and is intended for the sole use of the named recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, or disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting on any information contained in this email is hereby excluded. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the contents and notify the sender immediately; do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any medium. Whilst our e-mails are checked for viruses, we cannot guarantee that this message or any attachment is virus free, does not contain malicious code or is incompatible with your electronic system and the Company does not accept liability in respect of viruses, malicious code or any related problems that you might experience. For further information about us, please contact us at the address indicated below. Bernsoft Interactive Limited - P O Box 15177-00100 Nairobi - Tel: +254 722 929192 Email: admin(a)bernsoft.com Web: www.bernsoft.com

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State firms to place adverts on digital outlets
by GG 05 Mar '15

05 Mar '15

http://www.nation.co.ke/business/State-firms-to-place-all-their-adverts-on-…

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PayPal Workshop
by Bernard Kioko 04 Mar '15

04 Mar '15

Further to the earlier email I did send. Members of this list have been invited to attend the PayPal Workshop for free. Venue: Sarova Panafric Time: 8.30am to 1pm Kind regards Bernard -- * ------------------------------ * This e-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law and is intended for the sole use of the named recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, or disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting on any information contained in this email is hereby excluded. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the contents and notify the sender immediately; do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any medium. Whilst our e-mails are checked for viruses, we cannot guarantee that this message or any attachment is virus free, does not contain malicious code or is incompatible with your electronic system and the Company does not accept liability in respect of viruses, malicious code or any related problems that you might experience. For further information about us, please contact us at the address indicated below. Bernsoft Interactive Limited - P O Box 15177-00100 Nairobi - Tel: +254 722 929192 Email: admin(a)bernsoft.com Web: www.bernsoft.com

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Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules
by S.M. Muraya 03 Mar '15

03 Mar '15

The Kenya ICT Authority has an tender for E-Mail Management Services (for all Ministries). It does not seem limited to firms owned and controlled by Kenyans, factoring the sensitivity involved in handling e-mail records (archives). Electronic (e-mail, video, audio) records might be factored in the National Archives and Documentation Service Act (Revised 2012) by these words ... “records” includes not only written records, but records conveying information by any means whatsoever; ... http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/03/us/politics/hillary-clintons-use-of-priva… *Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules* By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDTMARCH 2, 2015 WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton exclusively used a personal email account to conduct government business as secretary of state, State Department officials said, and may have violated federal requirements that officials’ correspondence be retained as part of the agency’s record. Mrs. Clinton did not have a government email address during her four-year tenure at the State Department. Her aides took no actions to have her personal emails preserved on department servers at the time, as required by the Federal Records Act. It was only two months ago, in response to a new State Department effort to comply with federal record-keeping practices, that Mrs. Clinton’s advisers reviewed tens of thousands of pages of her personal emails and decided which ones to turn over to the State Department. All told, 55,000 pages of emails were given to the department. Mrs. Clinton stepped down from the secretary’s post in early 2013. Her expansive use of the private account was alarming to current and former National Archives and Records Administration officials and government watchdogs, who called it a serious breach. “It is very difficult to conceive of a scenario — short of nuclear winter — where an agency would be justified in allowing its cabinet-level head officer to solely use a private email communications channel for the conduct of government business,” said Jason R. Baron, a lawyer at Drinker Biddle & Reath who is a former director of litigation at the National Archives and Records Administration. A spokesman for Mrs. Clinton, Nick Merrill, defended her use of the personal email account and said she has been complying with the “letter and spirit of the rules.” Under federal law, however, letters and emails written and received by federal officials, such as the secretary of state, are considered government records and are supposed to be retained so that congressional committees, historians and members of the news media can find them. There are exceptions to the law for certain classified and sensitive materials. Mrs. Clinton is not the first government official — or first secretary of state — to use a personal email account on which to conduct official business. But her exclusive use of her private email, for all of her work, appears unusual, Mr. Baron said. The use of private email accounts is supposed to be limited to emergencies, experts said, such as when an agency’s computer server is not working. “I can recall no instance in my time at the National Archives when a high-ranking official at an executive branch agency solely used a personal email account for the transaction of government business,” said Mr. Baron, who worked at the agency from 2000 to 2013. Regulations from the National Archives and Records Administration at the time required that any emails sent or received from personal accounts be preserved as part of the agency’s records. But Mrs. Clinton and her aides failed to do so. How many emails were in Mrs. Clinton’s account is not clear, and neither is the process her advisers used to determine which ones related to her work at the State Department before turning them over. “It’s a shame it didn’t take place automatically when she was secretary of state as it should have,” said Thomas S. Blanton, the director of the National Security Archive, a group based at George Washington University that advocates government transparency. “Someone in the State Department deserves credit for taking the initiative to ask for the records back. Most of the time it takes the threat of litigation and embarrassment.” Mr. Blanton said high-level officials should operate as President Obama does, emailing from a secure government account, with every record preserved for historical purposes. “Personal emails are not secure,” he said. “Senior officials should not be using them.” Penalties for not complying with federal record-keeping requirements are rare, because the National Archives has few enforcement abilities. Mr. Merrill, the spokesman for Mrs. Clinton, declined to detail why she had chosen to conduct State Department business from her personal account. He said that because Mrs. Clinton had been sending emails to other State Department officials at their government accounts, she had “every expectation they would be retained.” He did not address emails that Mrs. Clinton may have sent to foreign leaders, people in the private sector or government officials outside the State Department. The revelation about the private email account echoes longstanding criticisms directed at both the former secretary and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, for a lack of transparency and inclination toward secrecy. And others who, like Mrs. Clinton, are eyeing a candidacy for the White House are stressing a very different approach. Jeb Bush, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, released a trove of emails in December from his eight years as governor of Florida. It is not clear whether Mrs. Clinton’s private email account included encryption or other security measures, given the sensitivity of her diplomatic activity. Mrs. Clinton’s successor, Secretary of State John Kerry, has used a government email account since taking over the role, and his correspondence is being preserved contemporaneously as part of State Department records, according to his aides. Before the current regulations went into effect, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, who served from 2001 to 2005, used personal email to communicate with American officials and ambassadors and foreign leaders. Last October, the State Department, as part of the effort to improve its record keeping, asked all previous secretaries of state dating back to Madeleine K. Albright to provide it with any records, like emails, from their time in office for preservation. “These steps include regularly archiving all of Secretary Kerry’s emails to ensure that we are capturing all federal records,” said a department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki. The existence of Mrs. Clinton’s personal email account was discovered by a House committee investigating the attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi as it sought correspondence between Mrs. Clinton and her aides about the attack. Two weeks ago, the State Department, after reviewing Mrs. Clinton’s emails, provided the committee with about 300 emails — amounting to roughly 900 pages — about the Benghazi attacks. Mrs. Clinton and the committee declined to comment on the contents of the emails or whether they will be made public. The State Department, Ms. Psaki said, “has been proactively and consistently engaged in responding to the committee’s many requests in a timely manner, providing more than 40,000 pages of documents, scheduling more than 20 transcribed interviews and participating in several briefings and each of the committee’s hearings.” A version of this article appears in print on March 3, 2015, on page A1 of the New York edition with the headline: Clinton Used Personal Email at State Dept.. Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe

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Analogue 3 go digital, ADN got it's license
by cdohnio 03 Mar '15

03 Mar '15

Broadcasters to come back on air as standoff ends: http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Broadcasters-to-come-back-on-air-as-stan… All the best, princelySid *Twitter:* @princelySid | *Website: *cdohnio.blogspot.com

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MEDIA COUNCIL AND PROPAGANDA EDITORS?
by James Mbugua 03 Mar '15

03 Mar '15

Listers, As the Media Owners and CAK battle over the migration issue, it is disconcerting to see the number of senior editors and columnists at these media houses using their pen to deliberately misrepresent to readers the digital migration story. Some of the more irking statements include, "When CAK forcibly shut us down...." They were not forcibly shut down, they took themselves of air why should they be airing such lies? Some of the senior editors keep talking about the number of frequencies disproportionately given to PANG. But frequencies are given according to the number of sites you have erected and these guys know this. As it is they have only 11 sites countrywide and they have been sitting on the analogue frequencies which they need to free up for allocation. That government is favouring foreigners....These editors are yet to acknowledge that their media houses took part in a tender and their bid lost. They went to PPOA and lost. They are busy splashing Anglo Leasing stories on the front pages, how would it have looked if they, with their shoddy bid, won the tender? Why can't they say they are asking to be corruptly allocated a national asset contrary to Public Procurement Law? THe Media Council instead of going after small journalists should take on these Editors and hold them to account on the accuracy of their stories. Regards, JG

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Goodyear to pay Sh1 billion for bribery in Kenya and Angola - News - nation.co.ke
by S.M. Muraya 01 Mar '15

01 Mar '15

How can we increase transparency & reduce bribery (manual transactions) in our society? #InnovKe http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Goodyear-Sh1-billion-fine-bribery-Kenya-Angola…

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Safaricom enforces a 20MB cap on Data Bundles Sambaza
by Odhiambo Washington 01 Mar '15

01 Mar '15

[Sorry for cross-posting] I think Safaricom should consult her customers and know what they want. I also think Safaricom shouldn't bully it's customers. I have just realized that Sambaza Bundle has been capped to 20MB per day, and you can only sambaza 10MB in a single transaction - do that twice and the day is closed! Now, I have close to 1GB on my modem and I wanted to sambaza about 200MB to my phone. Three attempts and I am getting this strange error, only to call Safaricom CC and be shocked with the news. Here is the big question: If I go into a supermarket and buy 10Kgs of Sugar and pay for it, what business does the supermarket have in deciding what I can do with the Sugar? Once I buy 1,5GiB data bundle from Safaricom, what business does it still have in deciding whether I can use it on that SIM card or Sambaza it to others? Well, looks like Sambaza was a privilege that Safaricom could withdraw at any time? I did not read the T&Cs, but it doesn't seem right, even if people have been doing business with data bundles. Once you've paid for the bundles, you should be left alone, no? -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 "I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler."

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Safaricom cancels Sh1bn-plus tender in staff bribery claim
by S.M. Muraya 01 Mar '15

01 Mar '15

An "International" audit firm favored by bureaucrats in go.ke and NSE listed firms lost (due to internal fraud) about 40M in 2013 in one small incident. What struck me most is when one of the fixers noted even data storage (backup records) were missing. This is an "International" firm consulted (favored over our niche firms stuck in Kenya and therefore more patriotic) about ICT Policy in Kenya. Finance professionals have told me more than once, crooks (even in international organizations) favor one big firm, one big deal, to solicit bribes from one party - not from 3 or 4 specialist/niche firms - increasing their demands (risks) for kickbacks from different quarters ): http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Safaricom-cancels-Sh1bn-tender-in-staff-… Safaricom cancels Sh1bn-plus tender in staff bribery claim[image: Kenya’s top telecommunications firm Safaricom is locked in a legal dispute with the Lebanese company Mobinets over the cancellation of a Sh1 billion tender. PHOTO | FILE] Kenya’s top telecommunications firm Safaricom is locked in a legal dispute with the Lebanese company Mobinets over the cancellation of a Sh1 billion tender. PHOTO | FILE IN SUMMARY - Safaricom says in papers filed at the Milimani Law Courts that Mobinets colluded with its employees to ensure the tender went to the Lebanese firm. - The firm had in June last year contracted Mobinets to supply, instal and maintain a system to manage network planning, configuration tools, inventory and work flow but the telecoms operator cancelled the deal on September 1, sparking a court battle. Telecoms operator Safaricom <http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/stocks/-/1322440/1394278/-/shkse6/-/inde…> cancelled a multi-million dollar tender it had awarded to Mobinets SAL Limited after it found out that the Lebanese firm bribed its employees to secure the lucrative contract, a Nairobi court has been told. Safaricom says in papers filed at the Milimani Law Courts that Mobinets colluded with its employees to ensure the tender went to the Lebanese firm. Safaricom had in June last year contracted Mobinets to supply, instal and maintain a system to manage network planning, configuration tools, inventory and work flow but the telecoms operator cancelled the deal on September 1, sparking a court battle. Mobinets went to court seeking orders compelling Safaricom to seek arbitration on the matter as provided for in the contract documents. Safaricom has, however, maintained that the agreement it signed with Mobinets in June last year provided for immediate termination of the deal in the event that either party was found to have engaged in any acts of corruption. “Safaricom was under obligation to terminate the agreement with immediate effect upon determination at any time that Mobinets representatives engaged in corrupt practices during the procurement or execution of the agreement,” said James Maitai, Safaricom’s head of quality and service assurance. Mobinets claims Safaricom has refused to provide it with the names of staff who were bribed, times, dates and places and full details of the alleged collusion. READ: Lebanese firm sues to stop Safaricom cancelling deal <http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate-News/Lebanese-firm-sues-to-sto…> The Lebanese firm also insists that the matter should be tabled before an independent arbitrator to salvage the Sh1 billion it has invested in the project. The Tripoli-based firm has denied engaging in any act of corruption with any of Safaricom’s employees. Safaricom has not indicated how many employees were involved in the alleged bribery scam or whether they have been sent packing. The telecoms operator has, however, sacked 159 employees over their involvement in unethical activities in the past three years, according to fraud statistics the firm releases at the end of its financial year. READ: Safaricom fires 56 employees in graft related cases <http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate-News/Safaricom-fires-56-employ…> The telecoms operator is expected to release its fraud statistics for the year ending March 2015 in the next few weeks as part of a campaign against corruption. Safaricom reckons that the provision on arbitration only applied to resolving disputes that have taken more than 30 days without an amicable settlement. Safaricom faults Mobinets for filing the suit, as it claims the two parties were in the process of concluding talks over a possible settlement where it was to offer the details the Lebanese firm was asking for. “Safaricom and Mobinets commenced the process of amicably settling the matter. The parties had agreed on the protocols and individuals responsible for ensuring the process of disclosure but Mobinets filed this suit before that process was concluded,” Mr Maitai adds. Justice Farah Amin on Tuesday directed the two parties to file their respective responses to claims made in the suit so far, and to appear before her on March 18. The Lebanese firm claims to have completed the functional specifications of the software system to Safaricom’s preference, which it says required equipment worth $6.2 million (Sh558 million). It also claims to have sealed deals with other hardware and software firms worth $5 million for the completion of its contractual obligations as per the agreement with Safaricom. Mobinets therefore argues that termination of the deal will interrupt its other businesses around the world that will be associated with Safaricom’s claim of corruption. “The allegations of corrupt practices by Safaricom pose a grave reputational risk to Mobinets. For instance, Vodafone Limited has on the basis of the allegations terminated all future business with Mobinets,” said Labib Shalak, Mobinets’ CEO. But Safaricom argues that the contract has already been terminated, and that quashing the decision amount to changing terms of an agreement that has already outlived its purpose. The telecoms giant argues that quashing the cancellation would also violate its rights, as it had the green light from the agreement to pull the plug on the deal in the event it discovered corrupt practices in its award. “Grant of the orders sought by Mobinets would amount to re-writing the agreement in denying Safaricom its right, as freely negotiated between the parties to terminate the deal with immediate effect in the circumstances envisaged,” Safaricom says. The Lebanese firm says it was forced to move to court over fears that Safaricom would offer another firm the contract while the dispute was pending between the two firms. Safaricom insists that calls for arbitration are futile as the agreement was terminated with immediate effect. Besides, Safaricom argues it is for the Arbitration Tribunal and not the High Court to determine whether a dispute is ripe for arbitration in any event. “There is no subject matter of the arbitration under threat to warrant issuance of an interim measure of protection by this court. Mobinets has failed to show evidence or threat whatsoever to the subject matter of the arbitration,” Safaricom adds. The suit comes just months after Kenya’s private sector was listed as one of the most corrupt in the world in a report by international audit firm Ernst & Young last November. Another report published by PriceWaterhouseCoopers found that tender fraud is the number one economic crime in Kenya. Back to Business Daily: Safaricom cancels Sh1bn-plus tender in staff bribery claim

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Kenya finally signs WCIT12 ITRs
by Ali Hussein 27 Feb '15

27 Feb '15

Listers So finally Kenya Government signs the 2012 ITRs which the former government didn't sign. It would really be good to know the process taken to rescind the earlier decision; who was engaged locally and why weren't the stakeholders at least given the courtesy of being formally informed. http://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/mm.final-acts.list?_languageid=1&_agrm… Ali Hussein +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein Sent from my iPad

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Kenya finally signs WCIT12 ITRs
by Ali Hussein 27 Feb '15

27 Feb '15

Listers So finally Kenya Government signs the 2012 ITRs which the former government didn't sign. It would really be good to know the process taken to rescind the earlier decision; who was engaged locally and why weren't the stakeholders at least given the courtesy of being formally informed. http://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/mm.final-acts.list?_languageid=1&_agrm… Ali Hussein +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein Sent from my iPad

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The challenge of value realization for indigenous technology firms - The mind of Mbugua Njihia
by Mbugua Njihia 27 Feb '15

27 Feb '15

http://www.mbuguanjihia.com/business/challenge-value-realization-indigenous…

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Fwd: Thank the FCC
by Bernard Kioko 27 Feb '15

27 Feb '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Derek Slater, Google" <no-reply(a)takeaction.withgoogle.com> Date: Feb 27, 2015 1:17 AM Subject: Thank the FCC To: "Bernard Kioko" <bkioko(a)bernsoft.com> Cc: <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d859/…> Dear Bernard: You may have heard that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just put in place rules to protect 'net neutrality.' That's big news. But there was another important decision today to help keep the Internet competitive and open — and while it's getting less attention, it may be just as important. As part of its agenda to encourage meaningful competition in high speed broadband for all Americans, the FCC supported allowing cities to make their own decisions about investing in new broadband networks. More needs to be done to drive innovation in bigger, faster broadband, but this is a good step. *Share this graphic to thank the FCC and Chairman Tom Wheeler for their actions:* <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d833/…> [image: Thank the FCC for their critical action.] <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d826/…> [image: Share on Google+] <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d818/…> [image: Share on Facebook] <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d8f3/…> [image: Share on Twitter] <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d8e4/…> While the FCC's net neutrality rules can help prevent Internet access providers from relegating some applications to a "slow lane," this move alone won't lead to a world where every consumer has an ultra fast connection to the entire Internet. That's going to take more competition and innovation in new broadband networks. It's been nearly five years since we offered to build a fiber-optic network in one U.S. city as an experiment — and as we've expanded Google Fiber into a business, we've seen firsthand how faster speeds can improve lives and give cities new platforms for economic development. Google is not the only one innovating in this area. Along with investments by other private providers, cities like Lafayette, LA and Chattanooga, TN have been investing in their own networks and developing public-private partnerships to that end. Today, the FCC decided that it's important for users to be able to control their own Internet connections and for communities to make their own choices to suit their local needs for broadband. While it may not make sense for most governments to operate broadband networks themselves, we think faster, better broadband for all Americans is too important to remove an option for deployment. *Thank Chairman Wheeler and the FCC for supporting local choice and competition in broadband networks:* *https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/thank-the-fcc* <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d8df/…> Thanks, Derek Slater Google Inc. P.S. If you want to learn more about the ingenuity of cities supporting broadband investment and competition, check out *Next Century Cities.* <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d8cc/…> © 2015 Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You are receiving this email because you asked to receive updates on Internet legislation and initiatives from Google. To opt out of future communications, please click here <https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/page/m/1439da90/18aeee9/2a6fe56/3ed7d8b9/…> . -- * ------------------------------ * This e-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law and is intended for the sole use of the named recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, or disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting on any information contained in this email is hereby excluded. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the contents and notify the sender immediately; do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any medium. Whilst our e-mails are checked for viruses, we cannot guarantee that this message or any attachment is virus free, does not contain malicious code or is incompatible with your electronic system and the Company does not accept liability in respect of viruses, malicious code or any related problems that you might experience. For further information about us, please contact us at the address indicated below. Bernsoft Interactive Limited - P O Box 15177-00100 Nairobi - Tel: +254 722 929192 Email: admin(a)bernsoft.com Web: www.bernsoft.com

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ADN OWNERSHIP - DOES SK MACHARIA'S SON & A COLLEAGUE OWN CONSORTIUM?
by James Mbugua 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Listers, Things never cease to get interesting in this country. So, now, it turns out, according to a document circulating, that the African Digital Network (NTV, CTV, KTN & QTV) that the consortium could be owned by two individuals: The names John Macharia Maina and Timothy Charo-Odhiambo are named as the two shareholders of ADN with 500 shares each of the issued 1000 shares. The share capital is listed as Sh100000 and the address of the directors is given as 669 00516 Nairobi. The only anomaly appears to be the date given for registration which is listed as January 1, 1900. The Director General of CAK Francis Wangusi had wondered at a recent show on TV whether the ADN consortium was even registered. The document purporting ownership of ADN is shown to be issued by the Assistant Registrar of Companies on February 23, 2015 and addressed to The Star newspaper. So, exactly what is the participation of each of the three media houses in the said consortium? Regards, James

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya's Silicon Savannah & the Need to do more
by Matunda Nyanchama 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Paul Korir and James Kulubi I stand educated on some of the provisions of the Science Technology and Innovation Act of 2012. I think this is debate worth engaging in to have some of the offending sections struck out. It is possible the "voices" needed to forestall the inclusion of the said sections weren't loud (or powerful) enough to be felt by the drafters of the Act. My 2 cents observation is that the lobbying potential of the Science, Technology and Innovation "sector" is very weak; unlike sectors like manufacturers (with KAM) and the larger private sector (with KEPSA) the myriad of organizations in the sector (e.g. in ICT) present a weak front to mount any meaningful lobby. But I also see the large number of universities as a blessing of some sorts; now suppose they work with the regulator CHE (if the law allows) they can be a formidable force to occasion change in the act. Research (basic or applied) and the entire science and technology sector are too important a cog in the wheels of development to be constrained by sections in the laws such as this. My reading: we need to do more. Cheers! Matunda Nyanchama Message: 2 Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2015 06:20:00 +0000 From: James Kulubi <jkulubi(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: Paul Korir <polariseke(a)gmail.com>, KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya's Silicon Savannah & the Need to do more Message-ID: <1424931600.16271.YahooMailBasic(a)web172102.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Paul, you hit the nail on the head. The problems facing research and innovation commenced in the late 70s when some experts thought that research and innovation could only be carried out by institutions created by a Science and Technology law. Upon enactment, the law created the KEMRIs, KIRDIs, KEFRIS, KARIs and allowed the government to create additional research institutes when necessary. With the government diverting research funds to these institutions, the University of Nairobi (only university in the 1970s) started experiencing both human and capital problems as active researchers drifted to these institutes and the government cut the university research budget. This served well the political system of the day since they wanted to tame political radicalism at the university by diverting the much needed funds to these ill conceived institutions. The political elite overlooked the fact that the university can conduct research at very low cost since students are not paid to carry out research (instead they pay the institution through fees, research grants, etc) and by design students are always graduating from the institution thus avoiding problems associated with ageing researchers. Proponents of modern university would tell you that the Science and Technology Act killed the ?triple helix?, i.e the interplay between the university, industry and government and reduced the universities to lecturing, evaluating and degree granting institutions. Lastly, although licensing of researchers may be necessary in certain fields such as medicine on ethical basis, it should not apply to all fields. The drafters of the STIA 2013 needed to be more specific in this regard or specify that regulations will be developed covering the fields to be licensing and that the regulations will be reviewed from time to time. James A. Kulubi -------------------------------------------- On Thu, 26/2/15, Paul Korir via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Subject: [kictanet] Kenya's Silicon Savannah & the Need to do more To: jkulubi(a)yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, 26 February, 2015, 3:21 Listers,? I recall reading the Science Technology and Innovation Act of 2013 (STIA 2013) and being sorely disappointed at some of the articles in that piece of law. I?m not convinced that that is the kind of law that will advance Kenya. If anything, it has taken us back (pre-1976 when the previous legislation was signed into law). For example, article 12 criminalises scientific research except with with a license, which is clearly in contravention of article 33 (c) of the constitution (academic and scientific freedom). The penalty of this contravention is a fine of up to five million or a sentence of four years.? Unless I?m missing something could someone please explain how this is progress? The previous law was in harmony with international laws (to the best of my understanding) in support of scientific research but these were thrown out because NACOSTI (previously NSTI, if I recall) had been operating ?illegally? (i.e. demanding licenses without any legal basis). Now STIA 2013 makes it legal and given NACOSTI the teeth it needs to enforce its agenda. In fact, private companies are required to pay the highest research license fees. These are things which only happen in developing countries and stifle creative innovation for short-term gain. Paul Korir, PhD+353 86 224 1966+254 72 400 4767 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com; Twitter: nmatunda; Skype: okiambe ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Manage your ICT risks! We are the experts you need! The trusted partners you deserve!Call: +1-888-587-1150 (Canada) +254-20-267-0743 (Kenya) or info(a)aganoconsulting.comLicensed by Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"The best revenge is massive success" - Frank Sinatra----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Kenya's Silicon Savannah & the Need to do more
by Paul Korir 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Listers, I recall reading the Science Technology and Innovation Act of 2013 (STIA 2013) and being sorely disappointed at some of the articles in that piece of law. I’m not convinced that that is the kind of law that will advance Kenya. If anything, it has taken us back (pre-1976 when the previous legislation was signed into law). For example, article 12 criminalises scientific research except with with a license, which is clearly in contravention of article 33 (c) of the constitution (academic and scientific freedom). The penalty of this contravention is a fine of up to five million or a sentence of four years. Unless I’m missing something could someone please explain how this is progress? The previous law was in harmony with international laws (to the best of my understanding) in support of scientific research but these were thrown out because NACOSTI (previously NSTI, if I recall) had been operating ‘illegally’ (i.e. demanding licenses without any legal basis). Now STIA 2013 makes it legal and given NACOSTI the teeth it needs to enforce its agenda. In fact, private companies are required to pay the highest research license fees. These are things which only happen in developing countries and stifle creative innovation for short-term gain. Paul Korir, PhD +353 86 224 1966 +254 72 400 4767 > On 25 Feb 2015, at 15:29, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > Kenya's Silicon Savannah & the Need to do more

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Kenya's Silicon Savannah & the Need to do more
by Matunda Nyanchama 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Friends, The MoICT and ICT Authority are planning a 2-Day ICT Innovation Forum on the 2nd and 3rd of March, 2015. See details on the ICT Authority website) I offered (and the Technical Committee organizing the Forum agreed) that I do 2 Op-ed pieces on the subject as a lead up to the Forum. Business News » Kenya as Silicon Savannah – The need to do more!; I will be posting the second piece in the next day or so. | | | | | | | | | Business News » Kenya as Silicon Savannah – The need to do more!Business News - Reading is FunDamental | | | | View on www.aganoconsulting.com | Preview by Yahoo | | | | | Kenya as Silicon Savannah – The need todo more!by Matunda Nyanchama*February 22, 2015 The National ICT Innovation Forum, convened by the Ministry ofInformation Communications and Technology and ICT Authority, is slated for March2rd and 3rd, at the Kenyatta International ConferenceCentre (KICC). Its theme is SiliconSavannah! Mind the Gap! Close the Gap! Participants are expected totackle challenges pertaining to ICT innovation in the country and the wayforward to ensure ICT innovation thrives in Kenya. Industry stakeholders areagreed: our ICT sector has reached a tipping point: no longer just a sexy idea,but an industry that is creating lasting change and impact. One may ask why the theme: Silicon Savannah! Mind the Gap! Close theGap!? The media coinage, Silicon Savannah, has become near-synonymouswith Kenya’s technology sector. The words carry a subliminal play with America’sSilicon Valley, home of many global technology giants such as Apple, Google,Oracle and many others. As a country, we offer a series ofadvantages to claim the Silicon Savannah brand. These include boasting a largenumber of academic institutions offering ICT programmes; taught in English, theglobal business language, steering our next generation of leaders; our laws andregulations, favouring free market economics and more. This is in addition toKenya being the region’s economic powerhouse despite lacking in resources (oil,minerals, etc.) that have been the curse of many African nations. The Silicon Savannah label didn’tcome by accident. A lot of time and effort has been invested in promoting thecountry as a technology destination. Under a triumvirate of the Ministry ofInformation of Communications and Technology, the ICT Authority and BrandKenya, the nation’s image as a leader in the technology sector has continued torise. And the proof of the pudding isin the eating. Kenya’s image, as a leader in innovations, is well-known. Onecase in point is M-Pesa that stands out to become a global brand in electronicmoney transfer. The Konza Technology City plans, if well-executed, wouldfurther buttress the Silicon Savannah brand. In addition, there is a lot morein the works with the vibrant activities happening in incubation hubs,university ICT departments, government, and the private sector. The future isbright; the future is IT. With Government and the privatesector working in tandem, the Silicon Savannah brand value can only grow. Otherswould claim that we have a huge gap between that brand promise and where weare. In spite of the achievements to date, serious work needs to be done tofully realize the benefits of that gilded metaphor. There is a need to accelerate thepace of the sector’s growth via deliberate efforts, plans, actions andperformance monitoring. These efforts must tap into the amount of energydevoted to innovation in order to harness its full potential. The approachshould result in a well-oiled innovation ecosystem that would deliver thepromise. A thriving innovation ecosystem needskey components synergistically working towards a common goal: exponential ICT growththat has wide-ranging, knock-on benefits. Key among these are the laws,regulations and policies; access to knowledge and expertise; access to capital;ongoing research and development; deliberate promotion of the sector’s productsand services; and a vibrant network of incubation hubs with clear tentacles tothe market, academia and financiers. Laws, Regulations and Policies & Promotion of Kenya ICT Products& Services The public sector, includingnational and county governments, public agencies and state corporations, aremajor consumers of ICT products and services. The national ICT spending acrossthe public sector could be in the range of hundreds of billions of Shillings. Now,suppose Government regulations and policies required that we give priority tothe local ICT sector, driving innovation at home. This would assure a readymarket for Kenyan ICT products and services; the resultant process would createjobs, build local ICT capacity and provide a springboard towards regional andinternational growth for the sector. There is more. With the recognition of thesignificance of the ICT sector, Government could make deliberate effort topromote the sector abroad. It is key to include ICT sector representation ininternational trade fairs and promotions the country participates in. In part,it would help the sector’s targeted contribution of 8% GDP and 180,000 jobs by2017. Knowledge and Expertise In recent years, Kenya has seen asubstantial growth of institutions: universities are expanding both in studentpopulation and in programmes offered. This is the good news. The bad news is that higherlearning in Kenya appears to be more of the business of education than thequality of the programmes and relevance to the market. There is a disconnectbetween what we are teaching and the needs of local industry, such that universitiesstand accused of a failure to proactively tune their programmes to marketneeds. The term “yellow notes” has been mentioned in relation to use of thesame material from year to year by some lecturers and professors, caring lessfor the dynamic nature of knowledge. ICT education and knowledge is afast-paced affair. Knowledge and its packaging evolves rapidly, as do the deliverymodes. Academic institutions must keep up with these changes if their graduates,especially in ICT – a key pillar to the President’s Digital Promise - have tofind relevance in the market. There is more. There are fewinstitutions with focus on bridging gaps between what is learnt in universitiesand what the market needs. Further, as a relatively young (e.g. compared withengineering) discipline the sector does not have a clearly defined professionalpath for growth. Nonetheless, the need forprogrammes that bridge gaps between academic qualifications and practicalindustry needs has never been greater. There are yawning gaps in this space.Indeed, it is this realization that resulted in the establishment the recentlylaunched Presidential Digital Talent Programme to address government ICT needs. Sadly, there is still more badnews. As we celebrate the mushroomingof universities we appear to have forgotten the key role played by tertiary andvocational training institution. Our universities appear to have grown at theexpense of polytechnics and, in the process, left a gap in human capital development. Finally, considering that ICT isexpected to play a key role in economic growth, there is a need to ensure thatICT graduates come out of university equipped with even basic businessknowledge, such as knowledge of intellectual property and how to secure it; andhow to turn the intellectual property into a business venture, how to raisemoney and how to run an enterprise. Access to Capital According to recent privateequity surveys, Kenya is missing out to its African neighbours, Nigeria, andSouth Africa. The challenges in Kenya include lack of innovator awareness ofthe varied range of sources of capital and the required preparedness to obtainrisk capital. This has also been blamed on lack of viable business plans for early-stagebusinesses. On the other hand, most investorsstake their money in tried and tested ventures such as in real estate; and theyhave poor understanding of the technology sector. Clearly, there is a need toaddress the gap via (say) a venture capital fund that would help start-ups gothrough the early stages of development while raising awareness on thepotential for growth that the sector presents. Research and Development Innovation pertains toimprovements (product, service, process) that addresses a key need. Ofteninnovation takes ideas from different disciplines, combines these to realizesomething new. A good example is M-Pesa that significantly improved themovement of money using mobile phone and messaging. It was an innovation that has transformedlives. In order to experiment with andtest ideas, there is a need to have ongoing research and development. The needfor collaboration and cooperation between the ICT sector and academicinstitutions, has never been greater. In addition, companies - public and private- need to set up research and development departments that would be chargedwith continual innovation. Often significant value can berealized through incremental changes via co-innovation, e.g. throughcustomization and incremental change to an existing product, service orprocess. Research and development activitycan be substantially enhanced through government incentive programmes. The Innovation Hubs A number of these exist in thecountry. They are run as independent businesses, components of businesses oracademic institutions. There is no doubt that a lot takes place in these hubs,with respect to testing and incubating ideas with a view to commercialization. The need for stakeholder collaborationhas never been greater. There is a need for greater awareness of their role andstructure and value they add to the innovation value chain. … The need for focus in ICTinnovation has never been greater. Deliberate action is needed in order tocreate a well-oiled innovation ecosystem with a friendly policy and regulatoryenvironment, aided by a supportive incubation ecosystem, supplied with relevantskills, fed by ongoing research and development, served with risk capital, and activelypromoted nationally and globally by all. Dr. Matunda Nyanchama is a Director and Managing Consultant at AganoConsulting Inc., and a Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Communications andTechnology and can be reached at mnyacnhama(a)aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com; Twitter: nmatunda; Skype: okiambe ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Manage your ICT risks! We are the experts you need! The trusted partners you deserve!Call: +1-888-587-1150 (Canada) +254-20-267-0743 (Kenya) or info(a)aganoconsulting.comLicensed by Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"The best revenge is massive success" - Frank Sinatra----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya's Silicon Savannah & the Need to do more (Evans Ikua)
by Matunda Nyanchama 25 Feb '15

25 Feb '15

Evans, You are right on the money. A colleague has recently remarked that the process for introducing new courses or changing existing ones at many of our universities is very arduous and discouraging. Some just choose to give us. As well, we should seriously consider how we deliver university education in the country. Many colleagues I meet hardly have time for research while largely focused on lectures and marking. The large class sizes don't help. .... UASU has in the past raised this and asked for more tutorial/assistantship support so that lecturers focus more on course design/changes, course material & testing preparation, course quality assurance (design, testing/grading/etc.) and research while tutorial fellows/assistants would help with the grunt work: tutorials in small groups and marking. And how about the "missing middle"? Mid-level colleges (polytechnics, etc.) that deal with deep hands on training! (Of course not the Nairobi Aviation types). Baadaye. From: Evans Ikua <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com> To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Cc: Security List <security(a)lists.my.co.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya's Silicon Savannah & the Need to do more Message-ID: <CAJ5wL0_V2FyFPs-GMKKWw8hMzH1yikVB9aqm3PiCktgoSfybMw(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" "The bad news is that higher learning in Kenya appears to be more of the business of education than the quality of the programmes and relevance to the market. There is a disconnect between what we are teaching and the needs of local industry, such that universities stand accused of a failure to proactively tune their programmes to market needs. The term ?yellow notes? has been mentioned in relation to use of the same material from year to year by some lecturers and professors, caring less for the dynamic nature of knowledge. ICT education and knowledge is a fast-paced affair. Knowledge and its packaging evolves rapidly, as do the delivery modes. Academic institutions must keep up with these changes if their graduates, especially in ICT ? a key pillar to the President?s Digital Promise - have to find relevance in the market." I totally agree with you there. The way it works in our Universities is that if teaching word processing pays and is easy to do, then that's what they teach. They are under financial pressure but that is no excuse. If they were to invest more in research, then they would come up with more interesting things to teach, and these topics would then match with the Industry demands. Otherwise we will never hear the last of the half-baked graduate story. This is not easy to do, but it pays in the long run. But how far can we see? What we need to ask ourselves is this; what do the best Universities in the world do that we don't? Why is everybody dying to go to MIT and Harvard? When you look at the fees that these Universities charge, it shows that they have enough money to invest in research, and the people who pay that money can see the value that they get. For us, it's a vicious cycle of mediocrity. If we continue teaching word processing in our Universities, we will never produce the next Google or Facebook. The greatest IT companies today came out University halls. What have our Universities produced lately? From what I see, we are producing people who are very skilled in implementing and supporting other people's technologies, and we are even struggling with that! Evans ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com; Twitter: nmatunda; Skype: okiambe ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Manage your ICT risks! We are the experts you need! The trusted partners you deserve!Call: +1-888-587-1150 (Canada) +254-20-267-0743 (Kenya) or info(a)aganoconsulting.comLicensed by Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"The best revenge is massive success" - Frank Sinatra----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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