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Matiang'i meets McCain
by Dennis Kioko 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

With CEOs and other private sector ICT players expressing lack of clear strategy and policy from the government in matters ICT (LTE and more), the CS in charge has just posted this on Twitter https://twitter.com/FOMatiangi/status/404842091835969536 -- with Regards: blog.denniskioko.com <http://www.denniskioko.com/>

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.co.uk shortened to .uk
by Dennis Kioko 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

The UK registrar has shortened .co.uk addresses to .uk Existing .co.uk names will be held in reserve for 5 years http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/385525/nominet-unveils-uk-domain-names?_mout=1&…

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Online debate on African Union Convention on Cyber Security (AUCC)
by Grace Githaiga 24 Nov '13

24 Nov '13

Good morning Listers We would like to propose an online discussion on the African Union Convention on Cyber Security(AUCC)http://pages.au.int/sites/default/files/AU%20Cybersecurity%20… on multiple lists of KICTANet and ISOC-KE, in Kenya and on I-Network list moderated by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and ISOC -Uganda, starting from Monday 25th to Friday 29th November 2013. We will also share the concerns with the best bits list http://bestbits.net/, the Internet Governance Caucus list http://igcaucus.org/ and Access Now https://www.accessnow.org/ since we would like to give as much input as possible. We have been in discussion with AUC and the drafters have accepted to receive our input despite having gone through this process two years ago with African governments. In light of this window of opportunity, we suggest we engage. AUC will discuss the convention during the AU ICT week scheduled for December 1-6, 2013http://www.africanictweek.org/ For Kenya, it is important that we engage, the reason being that if Kenya signs into this convention in January 2014, it will become binding as stipulated in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution Article 2 (6) which states: Any treaty or convention ratified by Kenya shall form part of the law of Kenya under this Constitution. The Convention is therefore more like a Bill of Parliament. 1. Background to the African Union Convention on Cyber Security (AUCC) African Union (AU) convention (52 page document) seeks to intensify the fight against cybercrime across Africa in light of increase in cybercrime, and a lack of mastery of security risks by African countries. Further, that one challenge for African countries is lack of technological security adequate enough to prevent and effectively control technological and informational risks. As such “African States are in dire need of innovative criminal policy strategies that embody States, societal and technical responses to create a credible legal climate for cyber security”. The Convention establishes a framework for cybersecurity in Africa “through organisation of electronic transactions, protection of personal data, promotion of cyber security, e-governance and combating cybercrime” (Conceptual framework). 2. Division of the Convention Part 1 Electronic transactions Section I: Definition of terms Section II: Electronic Commerce (Fields of application of electronic commerce, Contractual responsibility of the electronic provider of goods and services). Section III: Publicity by electronic means. Section IV: Obligations in electronic form (Electronic contracts, Written matter in electronic form, Ensuring the security of electronic transactions). Part II PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION Section I: Definition Section II: Legal framework for personal data protection (Objectives of this Convention with respect to personal data, Scope of application of the Convention, Preliminary formalities for personal data processing). Section III: Institutional framework for protection of personal data (Status, composition or organization, Functions of the protection authority). Section IV: Obligations relating to the conditions governing the processing of personal data (basic principles governing the processing of personal data, Specific principles governing the processing of sensitive data, Interconnection of personal data files). Section V: The rights of the person whose personal data are to be processed (Right to information, Right of access, Right of opposition, Right of correction or suppression). Section VI: Obligations of the personal data processing official (Confidentiality obligations, Security obligations, Conservation obligations, Sustainability obligations). PART III – PROMOTING CYBERSECURITY AND COMBATING CYBERCRIME Section 1: Terminology, National cyber security framework, Legislative measures, National cyber security system, National cyber security monitoring structures). Section II: Material penal law (Offenses specific to Information and Communication Technologies [Attack on, computerized data, Content related offenses], Adapting certain information and communication technologies offenses). Section II: Criminal liability for corporate persons (Adapting certain sanctions to the Information and Communication Technologies, Other penal sanctions, Procedural law, Offenses specific to Information and Communication Technologies). PART IV: COMMON AND FINAL PROVISIONS Section I: Monitoring mechanism Section II: Final responses The Proposed Discussion We have picked on articles that need clarity, and would request listers to kindly discuss them and provide recommendations where necessary. Also, where necessary, listers are encouraged to identify and share other articles that need clarifications that we may have left out. Day 1 Monday 25/ 11/2013 We begin with Part 1 on Electronic transactions and pick on four articles which we will discuss on Monday (25/11) and Tuesday (26/11). Section III: Publicity by electronic means Article I – 7: Without prejudice to Article I-4 any advertising action, irrespective of its form, accessible through online communication service, shall be clearly identified as such. It shall clearly identify the individual or corporate body on behalf of whom it is undertaken. Question: Should net anonymity be legislated? If so, what measures need to be or not be considered? Question: Should individuals or companies be obliged to reveal their identities and what are the implications? Article I – 8: The conditions governing the possibility of promotional offers as well as the conditions for participating in promotional competitions or games where such offers, competitions or games are electronically disseminated, shall be clearly spelt out and easily accessible. Question: Should an international (or should we call it regional) law legislate on promotional offers and competitions offered locally? Day 2 Tuesday 26/11/13 Article I – 9: Direct marketing through any form of indirect communication including messages forwarded with automatic message sender, facsimile or electronic mails in whatsoever form, using the particulars of an individual who has not given prior consent to receiving the said direct marketing through the means indicated, shall be prohibited by the member states of the African Union. Article I – 10: The provisions of Article I – 9 above notwithstanding, direct marketing prospection by electronic mails shall be permissible where: 1) The particulars of the addressee have been obtained directly from him/her, 2) The recipient has given consent to be contacted by the prospector partners 3) The direct prospection concerns similar products or services provided by the same individual or corporate body. Question: Is this a realistic way of dealing with spam? Article I – 27 Where the legislative provisions of Member States have not laid down other provisions, and where there is no valid agreement between the parties, the judge shall resolve proof related conflicts by determining by all possible means the most plausible claim regardless of the message base employed. Question: What is the meaning of this article and is it necessary? Some clarity needed! Day 3 Wednesday 27 /11/13 Today, we move onto PART II: PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION and will deal with three questions. Objectives of this Convention with respect to personal data Article II – 2: Each Member State of the African Union shall put in place a legal framework with a view to establishing a mechanism to combat breaches of private life likely to arise from the gathering, processing, transmission, storage and use of personal data. The mechanism so established shall ensure that any data processing, in whatsoever form, respects the freedoms and fundamental rights of physical persons while recognizing the prerogatives of the State, the rights of local communities and the target for which the businesses were established. Question: What is the relevance of this article? What are these state prerogatives? And given the increased interest of state surveillance, how can states balance respect of FOE while recognising state prerogatives? Article II-6, II-7, 11-8, II-11, II-12, II-13 refer to a Protection Authority which is meant to establish standards for data protection. Article II – 14 provides for each Member State of the African Union to establish an authority with responsibility to protect personal data. It shall be an independent administrative authority with the task of ensuring that the processing of personal data is conducted in accordance with domestic legislations. In article II-17 states that ‘Sworn agents may be invited to participate in audit missions in accordance with extant provisions in Member States of the African Union’. Question: Considering that this article seems to be tied to the Protection Authority, what is its relevance? And who is a ‘sworn agent?’ What should this authority look like in terms of its composition? Article II – 20: …Members of the protection authority shall not receive instructions from any authority in the exercise of their functions. Article II – 21: Member States are engaged to provide the national protection authority human, technical and financial resources necessary to accomplish their mission. Question: It appears that this Data Protection Authority is envisaged to be fully government supported. Therefore, should we be talking of its independence? In what way should this article be framed so that it ensures independence of the Authority? Article II – 28 to II-34 outlines six principles governing the processing of personal data namely: Consent and of legitimacy, Honesty, Objective, relevance and conservation of processed personal data, Accuracy, Transparency and Confidentiality and security of personal data. Under each of the specific principles, detailed explanation of how each should be undertaken is offered. Question: Is this explanation and detailing of how to undertake each necessary in an international (regional) law necessary or needed? Is this legislation overkill? Day 4 Thursdsay 28/11/2013 Part III Day 4 will focus on PROMOTING CYBERSECURITY AND COMBATING CYBERCRIME Article III – 14: Harmonization 1) Member States have to undertake necessary measures to ensure that the legislative measures and / or regulations adopted to fight against cybercrime enhance the possibility of regional harmonization of these measures and respect the principle of double criminality. Question: What is the principle of double criminality here? Section II: Other penal sanctions Article III – 48 Each Member State of the African Union have to take necessary legislative measures to ensure that, in the case of conviction for an offense committed by means of digital communication facility, the competent jurisdiction or the judge handling the case gives a ruling imposing additional punishment. Question: What is the interpretation of additional punishment? Is this not granting of absolute powers to judges? Day Five 29/11/2013 This will be dedicated to any other issue(s)that listers may want to raise in regard to the Convention. Further, listers can go back to issues of any other day and discuss them here. What other issue(s) would you like to raise? References DRAFT AFRICAN UNION CONVENTION ON THE CONFIDENCE AND SECURITY IN CYBERSPACEhttp://pages.au.int/sites/default/files/AU%20Cybersecurity%20Conv… http://daucc.wordpress.com/ http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/262/148/817/ http://daucc.wordpress.com/2013/10/29/paper-review-basic-drawbacks-of-the-d… http://michaelmurungi.blogspot.com/2012/08/comments-on-draft-african-union.… Have a great weekend and see you on Monday. RgdsGrace

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Fw: Fwd: [AFRINIC-announce] FIRE Programme: 9 Days left to Apply for a Grant
by Network of non- formal Educational institutions 22 Nov '13

22 Nov '13

AFRINIC's Fund for Internet Research and Education – FIRE Programme: APPLY FOR A GRANT There are 9 days left for the call for entries for the 2013-2014 FIRE Grants. The Fund for Internet Research and Education (FIRE) aims at encouraging ICT development innovations that contribute to sustainable development in Africa. The FIRE Programme gives grants of up to USD 10 000 to projects that will be implemented in the Africa region within a 6 to 12 month period. The FIRE Programme invites African organisations, entrepreneurs and innovators to propose projects under one of three categories which include: 1) Innovation on Access provision: fostering ICT growth in Africa by ensuring that the delivery mechanism is available, reliable and scalable; 2) E-development: the development, deployment and enhancement of content, applications and solutions. 3) Freedom of Expression: initiatives related to freedom of expression, freedom of association, privacy, security, consumer's rights, new forms of intellectual property in the digital environment, and a wider range of issues related to Internet and human rights. The registration deadline for the 2013-2014 Grants has been extended to 30 November 2013. For detailed information about competition categories, conditions of entry and submission procedures, please click on the links below: English version: http://www.fireafrica.org/theme/Default/documents/Grant_advert_EN_nov.pdf French Version: http://www.fireafrica.org/theme/Default/documents/Grant_advert_FR_nov.pdf Visit www.fireafrica.org or send us an email on: fireprogram(a)afrinic.net for any other query. Regards, The FIRE Programme Secretariat -- __________________________ Babusha Radhakissoon Social Media/Online Engagement Officer, AFRINIC Ltd. t: +230 403 5100 | f: +230 466 6758 | tt: @afrinic | w: www.afrinic.net facebook.com/afrinic | flickr.com/afrinic | youtube.com/afrinicmedia ___________________________ Join us at AFRINIC-19 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, 23-29 November 2013 -- Patricia Gnilane SENGHOR Cooperation and Project Development Manager, AFRINIC Ltd. t: +230 4035144. | M: +230 827 5956 |tt: @afrinic | w: www.afrinic.net facebook.com/afrinic | flickr.com/afrinic | youtube.com/afrinicmedia ___________________________ Join us at AFRINIC-19 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, 23-29 November 2013.

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Re: [kictanet] A good piece by Dr. Bitange Ndemo
by Mark Mwangi 22 Nov '13

22 Nov '13

We have Kenyan companies building Highways in Botswana. They are led by Njoroges and Kamaus and Ochiengs. It is not a matter of local capacity but complacency and impunity. A contractor is paid according to milestones right? No delivered product no payment. Why would a contractor waste years if he is not getting paid? Best incentive in my opinion. On Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 9:38 AM, Emmanuel Khisa <oloo.khisa(a)googlemail.com>wrote: > @ Mark, I do think that we would *ever* have heard roads done if ever > > we used Kenyan Contractors...sorry to say this but look how far we got > during the pre Kibaki era with contractors that did a 10km of a road > for 5 years and still never completed them...I think one credit I > would give the China Bridge and Co and H Young and Straberg is that > they actually did up the game... > > I otherwise agree with you on the rest of the points raised above. > > > On Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 9:35 AM, Emmanuel Khisa <oloo.khisa(a)googlemail.com > > wrote: > >> @ Mark, I do think that we would never have heard roads done if ever >> we used Kenyan Contractors...sorry to say this but look how far we got >> during the pre Kibaki era with contractors that did a 10km of a road >> for 5 years and still never completed them...I think one credit I >> would give the China Bridge and Co and H Young and Straberg is that >> they actually did up the game... >> >> I otherwise agree with you on the rest of the points raised above. >> >> On Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 9:12 AM, Mark Mwangi <mwangy(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > I agree with Adam albeit partly. Running to make everything under the >> sun is >> > no a smart move. However building horizontal industries where products >> from >> > one industry feed another and by products are the base of another >> shoulfd be >> > encouraged. Building spare parts for local cars is an example. >> > >> > A knowledge economy is a good foundation but we still need to build and >> make >> > stuff. e.g Swiss chocolate, german cars, American Missiles, Chinese >> iPhones >> > etc. Am yet to see a stable economy that doesn't manufacture and export >> > physical goods. >> > >> > >> > On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 10:03 PM, Adam Nelson <adam(a)varud.com> wrote: >> >> >> >> The first sentence does not lead to the second and third: >> >> >> >> "We cannot have high unemployment, and at the same time import clothes >> >> from Sri Lanka or mitumba, when we can grow cotton and make our >> clothes. We >> >> must defy economic explanations on what works and what does not work. >> If we >> >> deployed thousands of youth digitizing land records, we would reduce >> >> caseloads in courts, become more efficient, and create more wealth to >> grow >> >> our economy." >> >> >> >> Kenya should go towards counter-cyclical employment of youth doing >> >> productive infrastructure work: being teachers, building railroads, >> >> digitizing land records, etc... >> >> >> >> However, you can't forget Adam Smith who talked extensively of >> Comparative >> >> Advantage (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_advantage) Sri >> Lanka >> >> (or really Bangladesh) has a far more economical solution for producing >> >> cotton clothing than Kenya has. This mostly has to do with the port of >> >> Mombassa being a stranglehold and the fact that a 40M person economy >> (Kenya) >> >> doesn't have the same economy of scale as a billion person economy (a >> guess >> >> at the number of people a Bangladeshi factory can export to easily). >> >> >> >> Kenya is a small country and a small economy and if it wants to bring >> in >> >> more money and reduce unemployment, the solution is around creating an >> >> amazingly well-educated population and doing more knowledge work - not >> >> producing more clothing. >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io >> >> Musings: twitter.com/varud >> >> About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson >> >> >> >> >> >> On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 9:21 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva(a)transworldafrica.com> >> >> wrote: >> >>> >> >>> Dr. Ndemo has struck a cord that has been played in this list >> >>> countless times before. I remember him saying in another thread "you >> >>> cannot have unemployed youth yet we have countless garbage lining our >> >>> streets and estates!" >> >>> >> >>> His argument on us importing cloths yet we can do it here is basic >> >>> economic that any country can master. India went that way through the >> >>> leadership of Mahatma. >> >>> >> >>> But Dr. Ndemo, in the previous administration that you served so >> >>> ardently, the government shipped billions worth of capital on works >> >>> that could be done by Kenyans. I'm talking about the massive >> >>> infrastructure development that took place in the last 10years. That >> >>> capital could have done our unemployed generation justice if it was >> >>> utilized here home. I believe Kenyans can build decent roads, brides, >> >>> buildings and ports. What happened to national pride? It's the same >> >>> argument of importing cloths or planting cotton and producing our own >> >>> garments. >> >>> >> >>> We're still not out of the woods yet, remember the Korean firm >> >>> implementing the PKI? >> >>> >> >>> My cent-less >> >>> >> >>> On 18/11/2013, Dorcas Muthoni <dmuthoni(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> > A good piece by Dr. Bitange Ndemo >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > *We must be more pragmatic to resolve Kenya's high unemployment* >> >>> > >> >>> > >> http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/-/1959700/2077756/-/oodsogz/-/index… >> >>> > >> >>> > -- >> >>> > Muthoni >> >>> > >> >>> > My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ >> >>> > -------------------------------------------- >> >>> > Mahatma Gandhi once said:- >> >>> > >> >>> > First they ignore you, >> >>> > Then they laugh at you, >> >>> > Then they fight you, >> >>> > AND THEN YOU WIN!!! >> >>> > >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> -- >> >>> ______________________ >> >>> Mwendwa Kivuva >> >>> twitter.com/lordmwesh >> >>> kenya.or.ke | The Kenya we know >> >>> >> >>> _______________________________________________ >> >>> 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/adam%40varud.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. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> 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/mwangy%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. >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > -- >> > Regards, >> > >> > Mark Mwangi >> > >> > markmwangi.me.ke >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 Khisa >> P.O. Box 24324-00100 >> Nairobi >> 0721321086/0731849128 >> http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa >> > > > > -- > "Service to Mankind is the greatest form of service"... > > > > > > *Oloo KhisaP.O. Box 24324-00100Nairobi0721321086 <0721321086>/0731849128 > <0731849128>http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa > <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa>* > -- Regards, Mark Mwangi markmwangi.me.ke

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AU Cyber-security Convention ignores practical reality
by Grace Githaiga 22 Nov '13

22 Nov '13

...Dr Isaac Rutenberg, an intellectual property expert, and his counterpart Lilian Makanga are quite concerned about the Draft AU Convention on the Confidence and Security in Cyberspace (DAUCCSC, or AUCC for short). Rutenberg argues that it is a sweeping Convention that would touch on virtually every aspect of electronic culture. Inside the 52-page Convention are lurking provisions for just about everybody to dislike.If right now you are asking, “What is the AUCC?” you are not alone. Indeed, a major problem with the AUCC is that so few people, companies, and organisations even know of its existence, yet it is scheduled to be passed by the AU in January 2014. http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/-/1959700/2073806/-/oogkb4z/-/index…

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Information Security & Public Key Infrastructure Conference 26th-28th November Safari Park Hotel
by Phyllis Nyambura 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Listers, On Tuesday, 26th to Thursday, 28th November, the Ministry of ICT and COMESA will hold an *Information Security & Public Key Infrastructure Conference at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi*.* The theme of the conference is “Strengthening Regional Co-operation through secure Cyberspace”. * *We would like to invite interested members of Kictanet to attend the conference. The conference is especially useful for those in the Information Security area and financial sector. * *Registration is on going at: * http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=s7ex7gdab&oeidk=a0… Attendance is free. The event aims at bringing together stakeholders COMESA Member States and regional & African bodies that deal with information Security matter. Others are policy makers, academia, County ICT Secretaries, Law enforcement officers, Banking & Financial Sector, Education, media and Health sector Industry experts. The Conference objectives are :- · Harmonization of National ICT Policies with COMESA Policy priorities · Cyber Security Policy and e-commerce strategies in line with COMESA · National Public Key Infrastructure systems implementation, integration, roadmaps and best practices · Success stories and lessons - case studies from Africa · Information Society Measurements in line with Regional and international Indicators · National and regional Cyber Security capacity development, awareness and stakeholder engagements Kind Regards, Phyllis Nyambura Communication Writer The ICT Authority Telposta Towers, 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave P.O. Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya t: + 254-020-2211960/62 | m: + 254 (0) 789396433 | e: pnyambura(a)ict.go.ke Visit: www.ict.go.ke Become a fan: www.facebook.com/ICTAuthorityKE <http://www.facebook.com/kenyaictboard> Follow us on twitter: @ICTAuthorityKE --------------------- -- ICT Authority Telposta Towers 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi Kenya Tel: +254 20 2089061 www.icta.go.ke

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Safaricom Gears for Triple Play
by Ali Hussein 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Listers This has been in the,works for a whole and now its a reality. I wonder how this will affect Zuku... Safaricom targets TV Safaricom, Kenya’s biggest telco, plans to begin selling bundled Internet and TV services for on-demand viewing within the next 12 months, Chief Executive Officer Bob Collymore said. “We will provide aggregation of content and delivery of content,” Collymore told Bloomberg. “Certainly within the year, we could be playing relatively prominently in that space.” The bundles, available on devices including tablet computers, mobile phones and television sets, are aimed at tapping revenue streams beyond the company’s core voice service. Competition in Kenya’s telecommunications market three years ago triggered a price war, causing a sharp reduction in mobile-phone call rates that led companies to expand into new lines of data business to attract subscribers. “We will become a content provider to several forms of media including TV stations and YouTube,” Collymore said, without providing more details. “People want to decide when they want to consume, they don’t want you to tell them. That immediacy is, I think, how the future will be defined.” Sales growth from M-Pesa, Safaricom’s mobile phone money-transfer system, Internet and text-message services has outpaced revenue from voice for at least the past three years, according to the company’s latest annual report. Still, the share of revenue from phone calls was 60 per cent of total sales in the year through March versus about a third for non-voice. http://advanced-television.com/2013/11/13/safricom-targets-tv/ Ali Hussein +254 0770 906375 / 0713 601113 "Kujikwaa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele" (To stumble is not to fall but a sign of going forward) - Swahili Proverb Sent from my iPad

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Safaricom accused of predatory pricing offers to settle. Will interoperability drive an mCommerce Revolution?
by Ali Hussein 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Listers As Safaricom is in the news again accused of abusing its market power, this time in the mobile money space I think we should now start asking the tough questions:- Should Regulators force interoperability in the Mobile Money & Banking space? Will it spur more usage beyond the normal money transfer services towards a truly seamless and well oiled mcommerce revolution? What are the implications of this if at all the Regulator has the foresight and muscle to force this? How about IP Laws? Will this be unfair to Safaricom seeing as it is that they built this dominant position through sheer hard work and seamless execution of strategy? Or is this a mute point since we are now discussing a greater good beyond one company? http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate-News/Safaricom-calls-M-Pesa-wa… Safaricom is obviously using the Network Effect to the max and it is as it should. One begs the question however whether it was wise and prudent to follow this strategy to muzzle the competition? In some case its costs more than three times to cross use the Mpesa platform to any of the other mobile money services. For how much longer should the regulator allow this anti-competitive practice to continue unabated? Ali Hussein +254 0770 906375 / 0713 601113 "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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A good piece by Dr. Bitange Ndemo
by Dorcas Muthoni 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

A good piece by Dr. Bitange Ndemo *We must be more pragmatic to resolve Kenya's high unemployment* http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/-/1959700/2077756/-/oodsogz/-/index… -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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