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Re: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion
by Judy kimiti 13 Dec '06

13 Dec '06

Greetings Mucheru, My apologies for that, yes it is 21st Dec, see you then Thanks and best regards Judy ----- Original Message ---- From: Joseph Mucheru <mucheru(a)wananchi.com> To: jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Tuesday, 12 December, 2006 6:19:16 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion See you then! I take it it is 21st December and not November? -- Joseph Mucheru Chief Executive mucheru(a)wananchi.com Wananchi Online Ltd Voted ISP of the Year 2006 Computer Society of Kenya Annual Awards 30th November 2006 Panari Hotel, Nairobi Are you hosting your domain name with the leaders??: See http://webhosting.info/webhosts/tophosts/Country/KE > From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> > Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 09:47:50 +0000 (GMT) > To: <mucheru(a)wananchi.com> > Subject: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion > > Dear Member, > > We wish to invite you for a discussion and broader understanding on how we can > work together and contribute to the development of the Vision 2030. The > discussion will be VISION 2030 : Catalyzing the Vision through ICT by Mr. > Francis Mwaura, E-gov Directorate and will take place on 21st November 2006, > 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel at the KICTANET Monthly meeting. The presentation is > meant to give members first hand information and provide a platform for > members to give input. > > We look forward having you join us at for this presentaion and also request > that you please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purpose. > > Thank You > > Yours Faithfully, > Judy Kimiti > KICTANET > Tel: 4453671 / 2 > > Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mucheru%40wananchi.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jkimiti01%40yahoo.co.uk ___________________________________________________________ All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Vision 2030 Discussion
by Judy kimiti 12 Dec '06

12 Dec '06

Dear Member, We wish to invite you for a discussion and broader understanding on how we can work together and contribute to the development of the Vision 2030. The discussion will be VISION 2030 : Catalyzing the Vision through ICT by Mr. Francis Mwaura, E-gov Directorate and will take place on 21st November 2006, 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel at the KICTANET Monthly meeting. The presentation is meant to give members first hand information and provide a platform for members to give input. We look forward having you join us at for this presentaion and also request that you please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purpose. Thank You Yours Faithfully, Judy Kimiti KICTANET Tel: 4453671 / 2 Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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ICT bill .....does it fit the bill?
by frank＠ace-media.net 11 Dec '06

11 Dec '06

I'd like to support Rebecca's point of view. A while back one lister asked to know what are the actual contents of the draft presented to the AG. Are listers in agreement with the version hosted on www.information.go.ke? Dated Feb 2006? Has the bill incorporated the recommendations by KIF and do we know that for a fact? Unless I have overlooked something, the version on information.go.ke, dated feb 06, does not expressly or comprehensively cover data protection, copyright and intellectual property issues - issues which I think are to e-commerce (and BPO and IT Outsourcing) what spark plugs and fuel are to an automobile engine. I hear that media owners are not in agreement with the proposed restrictions on cross-ownership and ownership of newspapers by radio and TV licence holders (Ahead of an election year, coupled with an anti-media stance from various quarters in government, perhaps some more questions should be raised to this as well). Thus, to expect a bill to be passed in record time may not necessarily be an indicator of parliament's competence. The debate envisaged on issues of broadcasting will only serve to delay its enactment, to the detriment of the ICT sector. Francis Hook From: Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> Subject: [Kictanet] eCommerce Legislation, so near and yet so far. To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <291576.79333.qm(a)web57710.mail.re3.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Walu, strong as it maybe, it has taken ten years, i may have used strong words but in my opinion, the government hasnt shown much commitment apart from singing how ICTs can improve our lives and you are right, some bills have been passed in record time, yet one maybe tempted to think the government is very committed, but to what extent, thats just the way i see it!! Rebecca John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Rebecca, Your comment ''...Kenya has no ICT law, doesn?t seem to care much about e-commerce whether in country or between Kenya and other countries''...may be abit on the stronger side. I believe the relevant Kenyan agencies both in Govt, Private Sector and Civil society do care and have made and continue to make effort towards a legalised eCommerce environment. The current Kenyan ICT policy does take cognisance of the significance that eCommerce has and the draft ICT Bill (2006) does make attempts to legalise this e-environment. What could be lacking is a mechanism for fast-tracking the issues i.e. escalating the time frame between Policy, Bill and Law. Indeed, the last bit - enacting law is the trickiest since it lies at the mercy of Parliamenterians (MPs)... Nevertheless, there could be interventions tailored to gain Parliamentary 'buy-in'. After all, they have been known to pass some Bills in record-time, why not the e-Bills? walu. -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .

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Fwd: [Stock-Detective News] Research Unit Launched
by Bill Kagai 09 Dec '06

09 Dec '06

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke <info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke> Date: Dec 7, 2006 12:29 PM Subject: [Stock-Detective News] Research Unit Launched To: news(a)stock-detective.co.ke Following numerous requests by our readers for detailed analysis of various listed companies, stock-detective will now be offering our subscribers a customised package comprising price movement alerts as well as detailed analysis of the companies' performance, strategy and new products. We have now launched a Research Unit headed by Mr. Kingori Choto, a lawyer/researcher by profession and previously with Market Intelligence. To subscribe to this new service, please visit: www.stock-detective.co.ke/research With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke URL. www.stock-detective.co.ke _______________________________________________ News mailing list News(a)stock-detective.co.ke http://www.stock-detective.co.ke:8080/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/news

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Re: [Kictanet] IS ICANN IMPORTANT?
by Florence Etta 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Thanks Becky for this valuable and insightful piece. I would ask what can KICTANEt and or similar networks do about this. This is for me ois the bigger question. Cheers, FE Florence Etta P.O. Box 14285,00800 Westlands-Nairobi, Kenya Tel: Mobile + 254-733-621851 Terrestrial: + 254-20-7121506 Fax: + 254-20-7125732 Alternative Email:florence.etta@gmail.com ----- Original Message ---- From: Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Tuesday, 5 December, 2006 9:36:41 PM Subject: [Kictanet] IS ICANN IMPORTANT? PLAYING THE CATCH UP GAME- AFRICAN STYLE By Rebecca Wanjiku Paul Odhiambo is an ICT officer at the Ministry of Education in Kenya . He is used to the technical jargon and all issues relating to the information society. But attending the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) meeting is not that easy for Odhiambo. In some of the sessions, he finds himself in unfarmiliar territory. Why ? afterall he is a techie ! Because at the meetings, participants discuss about ICT laws and how they can be made responsive to people´s demands and privacies. For instance, during discussions on WHOIS, participants discuss issues on how much information should be available to the public and whether such information should be shared accross the sectors. Then there are other issues on the menu like security concerns and the usual business aspect of e-commerce. Legal issues are also discussed regarding applicable laws in case of cross country trade. For example, if importing a car from Dubai , if it’s damaged at sea and you bought it online, which courts can you seek redress? Kenyan court or Dubai . Odhiambo may find himself in unfamiliar territory because Kenya has no ICT law, doesn’t seem to care much about e-commerce whether in country or between Kenya and other countries. Odhiambo´s story is probably the story of many African participants at ICANN meetings. Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia seem to be operating on a different level compared to Africa . While the rest are discussing progressive issues, African delegates can only watch and say, we have our issues- access, and policy formulation. But for how long will Africa cling on to the problems as an excuse? Take for example the issue of access, those who were in the ICT industry will maybe confirm that some African heads have sang this song of the digital divide, lack of access and lack of money. But the leaders have gyrated and swung their hips at the prospect of development that ICT holds. Whilst the question of infrastructure and finance maybe understood, what about policy formulation, can that be understood too? Many of us stay home and wonder why ICANN meetings are important. Some may view it as a travel club or a playground for techies. While you wonder what label to give them, these guys are making policies that could affect you. What are you doing about it? Ends Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business._______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/feanywhere%40yahoo.co.uk Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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KICTANets Monthly Minutes and KDN Presentation
by Judy kimiti 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Dear Member, Please find attached the minutes of the Planning Meeting that took place on 9th November 2006 and the KDN Presentation by Kai Wulff . Thank You. Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti KICTANet Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com ___________________________________________________________ All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Women in ICTs in South Africa - final reports released
by A. Wanjira Munyua 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

A comprehensive study on the status of women in high-level ICTs in South Africa has recently been completed. A separate Manual of Possible Interventions has been produced alongside the status report - this maps out six possible programmes with a breakdown of activities and possible role players to take these actions forward. A third report shares international experiences, with particular emphasis on Finland. This has provided useful insights for consideration in addressing South Africa's needs. The three documents can be accessed at: http://women-in-ict.meraka.csir.co.za <http://women-in-ict.meraka.csir.co.za/> The report looks at how girls and women are progressing (or not) in the education system and the workplace. It presents gender-disaggregated data on the current situation and reflects on the perceptions of women in ICTs, including those in leadership positions. There has been some improvement in the participation of women in the sector, but the numbers are still low and increasing the levels of participation requires urgent attention. Various support mechanisms are in place to help women in the ICT sector but they are fragmented and uncoordinated. Recommendations for addressing these needs have been expanded in the Manual of Interventions. The work was the result of a South African-Finnish partnership between the Meraka Institute (CSIR), icteum consulting and the University of Oulu, Finland (Kajaani Consortium). Other South African collaborators include the Human Sciences Research Council, WomensNet and the Tshwane University of Technology. The study was funded by the Embassy of Finland, South Africa. For further details contact: Tina James (project leader) icteum consulting tjames(a)intekom.co.za Tel: +27 12 346-8264 Ronel Smith Meraka Institute Rsmith2(a)csir.co.za -- A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws Cell: +254 733 731074

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TAKE BACK THE TECH! Reclaiming ICTs to End Violence Against Women
by A. Wanjira Munyua 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

Please help disseminate. Apologies for crossposting *********************************************************** TAKE BACK THE TECH! Reclaiming ICTs to End Violence Against Women www.takebackthetech.net 25 November - 10 December *********************************************************** Day 8: Digital Storytelling be heard - tell your story --------------------------- Listen to survivors of violence against women take up multimedia technology, and tell their own powerful and transformative stories. Digital storytelling by Silence Speaks [www.silencespeaks.org] is an initiative that makes it possible for survivors and witnesses of violence to come together in small groups, reflect on their gender training and experiences of abuse, and tell their stories in their own words, sounds and images. Few opportunities exist for survivors to tell their stories in their own words. Silence Speaks fills this gap by connecting survivors and witness of abuse with their creativity and making their voices the centerpiece of violence prevention and social justice efforts. Bearing witness to these stories moves the issue from the individual to the collective, and offers hope for ending the violence. Twelve powerful stories are showcased on Take Back The Tech!, in partnership between Silence Speaks and APC Women's Programme. Listen deeply. [www.takebackthetech.net/actions/storytelling.htm] ************* Action Day 8 ************* A study [http://www.stopvaw.org/Prevalence_of_Domestic_Violence.html] based on 50 surveys from around the world shows that at least 1 in every 3 women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in her lifetime. Depressing statistics. But at the same time, think of all the women that you know. Grrls and women that you have chatted with on the bus, at some party, waiting for the elevator, at a work function, distant relatives, their partners.. There are so many survivors amongst us. 1 in every 3 women whom we come across has experienced targeted and senseless violence; and they are just. fine. We walk amongst unnamed sheroes; with stories of tenacity, courage and everyday survival. Action begins from reality. Tell your story. Use technology to amplify your voice. If the rabble is loud in its protest, if 1 in 3 women speak their case, then reality might start to look a little less ridiculous. . Go to "Talk Tech & VAW" [http://www.takebackthetech.net/talktech.htm] . Click on "Share Your Story" . Start telling yours! -- Take Back The Tech Day 8: Digital Storytelling be heard - tell your story www.takebackthetech.net _______________________________________________ Grace mailing list Grace(a)lists.apcwomen.org http://lists.apcwomen.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grace

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a public private partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by Eric Osiakwan 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

Dear All, In my rush to attend to some emergency yesterday i did not read over so ended up with french (not good enough french for Bill to read.....:-) instead of english so please allow me to come again. Also this is being monitored on the KICTANET list so i have made an extension to them as well as to the AfrISPA list on which this is taking space. Anriette, The principle is the same however since EASSy was spanning multiple jurisdictions, it waranted multiple platforms for the stock market activity but the Kenyan one (TEAMS) is a single domain so in my mind the question should be "would it make sense for it to trade on one exchange or the multiple approach would generate much scale in terms of the financial lifting that is expected and the activities thereoff?" In someway Brian seems to suggest a multiple approach but i have a knowledge deficit of the East African Stock markets co- operatin and how this may work. Am aware that SWOPNET in Tanzania is similar to KICTANET and iNETWORK in Uganda also has the same semblance so if KICTANET liases with those camps we could get some country info on the dynamics at play or someone from the lists could feed us with some knowledge (at least am interested in knowing.....:-) YES, it looks like a race (NOT A RAT RACE...:-) but the precedent of very low cost bandwidth and non-discriminatory practise must be a guiding light. Eric here NB: Bill, thanks for the heads up. For those who are seeing this for the first time, below is MY french version of the english rendition above so if you dont understand the french dont worry, just stick to the english and you would not have missed anything at all.....:-) On 27 Nov 2006, at 20:06, Eric M.K Osiakwan wrote: > Anriette, > > The principle is the same however since EASSy was spanning multiple > jurisdictions then it warantted multiple platforms for the stock > market activity but the Kenyan one is a single domain so in my mind > should be that would is make sense for it to trade on one exchange > or the multiple approach would generate much scale in terms of the > financial lifting the expected activities? > > YES, it looks like arade but the precedent of very low cost and non- > discriminatory practise must be a guiding light. > > Eric here > > > On 27 Nov 2006, at 22:19, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > >> Dear Eric >> >> A group of us APC people actually discussed your idea quite >> intensively a >> while ago. >> >> The one difference between what is happening here, and what you >> propose, >> is that the Kenyan initiative will involve only one stock >> exchange.... so, if the >> IPO continues, it will be listed in Kenya... as far as I know. >> >> Your proposal would have involved the 'entity' listing on multiple >> stock >> exchanges.... that would have been much more complicated. >> >> Seeing these new financial models emerge is very interesting. And >> it does >> feel a bit like a race... whose cable will light up first? Who >> will sell the >> cheapest bandwidth? Any bets? >> >> Anriette >> >> >>> Folks, >>> >>> Below is exactly what i have being chanting as a way forward in the >>> ownership of the infrastructure; The Kenya Government will have a 40 >>> per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% >>> will go to investors in the East African region. The Government has >>> said it will organise an IPO on the Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several >>> Kenyan companies have expressed interest and one said that the >>> Government had told them it would "guarantee their loan". The >>> details of the finance package have not yet been settled but it is >>> unclear where the Kenyan Government will raise its 40% from. Will >>> the >>> World Bank simply shift a portion of its EASSy funding to the new >>> project as many think likely? >>> >>> NB; From this week's Balancing Act, full story below for your >>> pleasure. >>> >>> Thank God the Kenya are experimenting with this approach where >>> government owns part, private sector owns part, educational >>> institutions should also own part, CSO owns part through IPO on the >>> stock market. >>> >>> The Kenya government can actually raise the 40% from government >>> bonds >>> and am not an expert on the stock market discipline of shares or >>> bonds but this is where the financial experts need to come out with >>> innovative solutions that can help raise much of this money locally >>> and it is possible. >>> >>> In the attached paper which is an output of the great work Rahul >>> Tongia did with some colleagues and little input from me, it is >>> clear >>> that we could actually wire Africa up with fiber to the most >>> population densed centres for a billion dollars whcih means if every >>> African put a dollar on the table we could wire Africa up with fiber >>> and 50 percent of that dark fiber already exist - what does that >>> mean >>> to you as an African? >>> >>> >>> You Kenyans are showing the way and even it it does not work you >>> would be know for showing us how this model is not workable and then >>> we can try another. We Africans must try new ways of doing these >>> things and make our own mistakes and find our own solutions to our >>> problems but learn to avoid the mistakes of the Americans, Europeans >>> and Asians. Thank God for this BOLD move, it is commendable. >>> >>> >>> TOP STORY: KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE >>> ____________________________________________________________________ >>> _ >>> >>> It´s like waiting for a matatu. You wait for ages and none come >>> along. But just when you´re about to give up hope, three come along >>> at the same time, all trying to come to a screaming halt in front of >>> you. Kenya now has three (or more) potential international fibre >>> projects that could be complete within 12 months. Each one is loudly >>> proclaiming that it will deliver cheap international bandwidth. >>> Russell Southwood took the temperature in the market last week about >>> what the impact of this bandwidth will be upon the market. >>> >>> The Kenya Government has signed an MOU to build a fibre link to >>> Fujairah >>> in the UAE currently costed at Ksh5.7 billion. The construction and >>> supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, >>> dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by >>> November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from >>> Dubai. Many in the sector believe that it will be more like 19 >>> months >>> or more before completion. >>> >>> The Kenya Government will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, >>> Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% will go to investors in the East >>> African region. The Government has said it will organise an IPO >>> on the >>> Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several Kenyan companies have expressed >>> interest and one said that the Government had told them it would >>> "guarantee their loan". The details of the finance package have >>> not yet been settled but it is unclear where the Kenyan Government >>> will raise its 40% from. Will the World Bank simply shift a >>> portion of >>> its EASSy funding to the new project as many think likely? >>> >>> The Government´s commitment to a 12 month schedule is a bold move >>> but one that must lay them open to a certain amount of >>> scepticism. The >>> tender for expressions of interest was only issued 2 weeks ago and >>> Government timetabling is notoriously slow compared to the private >>> sector. Apparently the Private Secretary has been telling interested >>> parties that the Government wants prices comparable to those to be >>> found in India in 12 months time. This benchmark has been set in >>> order >>> that Kenya will be able to compete in the international outsourcing >>> market. >>> >>> Apparently a number of interested parties said that they would >>> put up >>> all the money to build it if they could have a monopoly and he sent >>> them away disappointed. But more worryingly one interested party >>> told >>> us that it could only get involved if it also allowed Telkom >>> Kenya to >>> be a shareholder. >>> >>> The next international fibre project is KDN´s and it has now signed >>> its contract with Flag Telecom. Its link from Mombasa will terminate >>> in an undersea junction in international waters off of the Yemen. It >>> says the link will be fully operational in the first quarter of >>> 2008, >>> just 15 months away. The company believes that it will come to >>> market >>> with capacity at $500 per mbps pm but that the price of bandwidth >>> will >>> go up to those wanting to invest as time passes. In other words, for >>> those who commit early prices will be lowest and for those who >>> come in >>> late, prices will go higher. It also stresses that its landing >>> station >>> at Mombasa will allow other carriers to co-locate there charging >>> only >>> electricity and services at cost. >>> >>> So this leaves the third project EASSy looking as if it will be the >>> third runner. NEPAD appears to have made little more progress on >>> persuading more African Governments to sign its political protocol. >>> And whilst the members of the EASSy consortium (that still includes >>> KDN and Telkom Kenya) are still moving things forward, there >>> remains a >>> disconnect between the political and commercial ends of the project. >>> If both of the above projects go ahead, there is clearly much less >>> need to build the Mombasa-Djibouti section of the route and it >>> has to >>> be said that both of the above projects have better international >>> connection points. >>> >>> As if three were not enough, Ethiopia´s ETC has now had its >>> international fibre connection working effectively for two months >>> via >>> Port Sudan and Saudi Arabia. But because it is landlocked and it had >>> endless fruitless arguments with Djibouti Telecom over control of a >>> possible fibre link, it wants to find a second international fibre >>> connection. Therefore it is in serious conversations with both of >>> Kenya´s fibre network operators about connecting to the Mombasa >>> links when they are ready. If this goes ahead, both it and Kenya >>> will >>> then have two international fibre links. >>> >>> Because the process of getting the international fibre to Kenya has >>> been both confusing and "on-off", everyone in the market >>> (including customers) have understandably not really grasped the >>> impact of its arrival on their businesses. Until now ISPs and >>> satellite resellers have largely been in the businesses of living on >>> the margin they make between buying and selling bandwidth. >>> >>> These margins have been kept high as they have concentrated on >>> selling >>> to comparatively few customers. Ironically it has been a high-price, >>> low volume business where their primary commodity - bandwidth - >>> has always been in short supply, not least because some of them >>> increased their margin by contending it as much as possible. This >>> has >>> meant that bandwidth quality is often variable at best for those not >>> paying "top dollar" for a premium service. >>> >>> If you argue that international fibre prices should be low price, >>> high >>> volume, then the national business model changes: what´s sauce for >>> the goose is sauce for the gander. Bandwidth becomes cheap and >>> plentiful at a sub $1000 threshold. The margins that can then be >>> charged make it difficult for those who are not operating at >>> volume to >>> stay in business. >>> >>> However it does now open up opportunities for new services, content >>> and applications that can be sold to customers who should now be >>> paying European prices for real broadband connections (1-2 meg >>> upwards) rather than the paltry 64 kbps they are currently >>> receiving. >>> There are at least 500,000 households in Kenya that are at an income >>> level that make them potential targets for broadband. It would take >>> only half of those households to sign up for there to be the >>> beginnings of a very different market. >>> >>> The real sign that the market has not "got it" is that some key >>> ISPs are not passing on the information about these soon-to-be cheap >>> prices but are seeking to protect their high margins by telling >>> customers higher prices. A heads-up, guys. The sector is a >>> village and >>> news will get round quickly and we´ll encourage the circulation of >>> this price information. The market´s about to change, get ready to >>> change with it. >>> >>> At the national level, there is now a third source of fibre >>> capacity. >>> Jamii Telecommunications has signed an agreement with the Kenya >>> Light >>> and Power Company (KPLC) to sell an STM1´s worth of its fibre >>> capacity in Nairobi and Mombasa, with KPLC saying that it will >>> triple >>> its capacity shortly. Two other companies - CTN and Cable Vision - >>> have been granted a licence to sell KPLC´s capacity and it is >>> telling (in terms of the argument above) that both are in the video >>> download and pay-TV business. Not so far afield, Tanzanian power >>> utility TANESCO is currently building out fibre capacity and has >>> invited bids to sell this capacity. Again KDN is poised to make a >>> fibre connection to Tanzania. >>> >>> However a recent ping on the Kampala-Nairobi route shows that >>> neither >>> KDN nor Telkom Kenya has got its fibre route operational. KDN is >>> promising it will be operational by the end of first quarter 2007 >>> and >>> that prices will be 20% cheaper. >>> >>> Elsewhere in the market, the new VoIP operators are finding it >>> difficult >>> to get interconnection agreements and to get proper service from >>> interconnect service providers. Telkom Kenya is charging absurdly >>> high >>> prices but has at least reached interconnect agreements. >>> Nevertheless >>> the new fixed wireless operators - Flashcom and Popote - are >>> having difficulties: customers are unable to receive or make >>> calls to >>> certain countries. Apparently anyone who calls a customer number of >>> these fixed wireless operators from Germany gets a number >>> unobtainable. >>> >>> Access Kenya´s Yello VoIP service has been aimed at corporates and >>> has attracted 250 customers who generate 120,000 minutes a month. >>> But >>> it has had difficulty getting interconnection agreements with the >>> mobile operators. It made a complaint to regulator CCK in April and >>> became so frustrated that it said it would run an advertisement >>> publicising the position. Safaricom came back to the table but >>> Celtel >>> refuses to enter discussions, saying that it will do so in its own >>> time. >>> >>> Kenyan ISPs are under heavy pressure from all the new operators. >>> Flashcom and Popote are taking more money from data than voice at >>> the >>> moment as customers are primarily signing up for cheaper Internet >>> access. Also the introduction of EDGE services by Safaricom is >>> eating >>> into their high-end customers: one ISP´s CEO admitted privately that >>> he was losing hundreds of customers a month to these new >>> competitors. >>> The challenge for everyone in the market will be whether they can >>> take >>> the soon-to-arrive cheaper international bandwidth and use it to >>> transform the market. >>> >>> >>> Eric M.K Osiakwan >>> Executive Secretary >>> AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >>> Tel: + 233.21.258800 >>> Fax: + 233.21.258811 >>> Cell: + 233.244.386792 >>> Handle: eosiakwan >>> Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >>> Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >>> Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >>> Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------------------------ >> Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director >> Association for Progressive Communications >> anriette(a)apc.org >> http://www.apc.org >> PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 >> Tel. 27 11 726 1692 >> Fax 27 11 726 1692 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > ICT Consultant and Journalist > Tel: + 233.21.258800 > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > Handle: eosiakwan > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Infrastructure Financing for TEAMS through the Capital Markets
by Bill Kagai 30 Nov '06

30 Nov '06

[Summary of TEAMS financing discussion on www.stock-detective.co.ke] At a recent seminar hosted by the Nairobi Stock Exchange, options for infrastructure financing through the capital markets were comprehensively discussed by various financial experts. It is worthwhile to consider various financing options for the East African Marine System or Teams project, a fiber optic line linking Mombasa to Fujaira, in the context of various options for infrastructure financing through the capital markets discussed at the seminar. A strong case was put forward for funding for infrastructure projects in Kenya through the NSE. Among the experts who made a pitch for the idea were NSE chairman Jimnah Mbaru, NSE CEO Chris Mwebesa, Suntra Investment Bank chairman James Murigu, and IFC Operations Officer for Financial Markets, Ndiritu Muriithi. Infrastructure financing through the capital markets is still in its infancy stages in Kenya. Yet there is a huge opportunity for companies and government agencies to raise money cheaply to build roads and power dams through bonds and shares at the Nairobi Stock Exchange given that the current government development budget stands at around Ksh. 70 billion. The cost of completing the Machakos-Limuru dual carriage section of the Mombasa-Busia highway alone is estimated to cost Ksh. 108 billion. This means that the government has to find alternative sources of funding (other than donor funding) to meet the massive shortfall in funding for infrastructure projects. The government has indicated that it will consider raising money through an IPO to finance the Teams project. It recently signed an MOU with Etisalat of Dubai to implement the Ksh. 5.7 billion project. The government will hold a 40 per cent stake in the project, Etisalat 20 per cent and the remaining 40 per cent will be offered to investors in the East African region. The government has set an ambitious date for the completion of the project by November next year. If the government proceeds with the IPO as indicated, the project is certain to generate considerable interest among investors given the potentially high returns and profits from the link once activated. But the question still begs an answer: why has infrastructure financing through the capital markets been slow to develop in Kenya even with the recent expansion of the stock market? In other words, why haven't institutions like Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Pipeline, National Housing Corporation, to mention just a few, been issuing to the public? Experts cite bureaucracy and lack of concise policy as the main bottlenecks to infrastructure financing through the domestic capital market. Mr. Muriithi is of the view that although the demand for infrastructure financing is huge, policy questions on issues like the role of the capital market in the process are not fully settled. He added that discussions are still on-going and that technical issues such as the financing structure, type of instruments and so on, were yet to be refined. He further noted that state owned enterprise have to obtain approval from Treasury to borrow money from the capital. Where such approval is not forthcoming especially considering red-tape and other internal bottlenecks, the opportunity to source funds cheaply from the investing public is squandered. Mr. Mbaru gave the example of East African Portland Cement which wanted to raise Ksh 2 billion through the capital markets to extend its line to Western Kenya and Uganda but shelved the plan after it failed to get Treasury approval. Mr. Murigu on his part argued that many SOEs went shopping abroad for financing while they could raise funds for infrastructure projects locally and at a cheaper cost. If the government is to successfully push through an IPO by mid-2007, Treasury approval will then have to come fast. Otherwise, the project could end up in the bog of red-tape as Treasury mandarins dillydally over approval. In seeking to raise financing for the project through the capital market, the government has a variety of options to consider. And critical here will be the manner in which the government structures the deal for investors. Mr. Mwebesa said of the market's ability to absorb infrastructure-backed instruments, that "if properly conceptualized and structured with detailed information on the specific infrastructure project, the capital markets will absorb the same". If the government chooses the IPO way, then it will have to create a special purpose vehicle whose shares it will then offer to the public. According to Mr. Mwebesa once such government-driven SPVs are listed in the NSE, bonds for specific infrastructure projects can then be issued by the SPV. Kenyans can then invest in such bonds through various vehicles such as pension funds, co-operative societies, insurance companies and collective investment schemes (companies or trusts created to mobilize investment funds from individuals). Pension funds are a good way of mobilizing investment in infrastructure bonds since the long-term financing needs of infrastructure projects match the long-term liability profiles of pension/retirement benefit schemes. Infrastructure or asset-backed bonds can provide income for retirees a few years down the line and are thus a viable investment option for pension fund managers. However, the law needs to be changed to facilitate such initiatives. In addition certain policy and tax incentives are needed to boost private sector participation. Mr. Mbaru proposes that income derived by investors from infrastructure-backed instruments be exempted from withholding tax to make them more attractive. He also proposes a 2-3 year grace period before interest payments to investors or alternatively the issue of zero-coupon bonds (bonds issued at a discount to the price and principal and interest paid lump-sum upon maturity) to finance such deals. There is no doubt that the Teams project can be financed through the NSE. It is up to the government to speed up the creation of an SPV as well as Treasury approval and also give investors an attractive value proposition. This is not to mention that public awareness of the viability of the Teams project and its importance to Kenya's ICT sector and the economy as a whole is very vital and a condition precedent to the success of the project. The government may also want to consider a cross-listing of the SPV once put in motion now that integration of the three stock exchanges is well under way. -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 Cell. 254 724 226600 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke

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