[image: image] KICTANet Weekly Roundup: Top Stories from Feb 10–14 [image: image] Greetings Listers, We hope the week has been an exciting and interesting one. This week, aligned with our core pillars, our initiatives focused on: online safety and combating misinformation at the intersection of digital policy and climate justice. We remain committed to fostering informed discussions and promoting a safer, more inclusive online experience for all. This week highlights our work on Safer Internet Day, World Radio Day, and other important initiatives. Read on for a summary of our recent articles: Our Initiatives Broadcast Buzz: KICTANet Featured Across the Globe. Cyberbullying and Online Safety. [image: image] KICTANet's appearance on NTV's "Fixing the Nation" program emphasised the growing concern about cyberbullying and the importance of online safety. The discussion highlighted the need for proactive measures to protect individuals, particularly children, from online harassment and abuse. Click here to read more <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/cyberbullying-and-online-safety-kictanet-on-ntvs-fixing-the-nation/> Balancing Innovation and Data Sovereignty in Kenya. [image: image] We had a session on CNBC Africa where we explored the delicate balance between fostering innovation and protecting data sovereignty in Kenya. We continue to examine policy considerations and practical strategies needed to ensure responsible data Click here to read more <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/cyberbullying-and-online-safety-kictanet-on-ntvs-fixing-the-nation/> Powering Progress: A Snapshot of Our Ongoing Projects Strengthening Digital Communities. [image: image] Funded by the UK Government's Digital Access Programme, KICTANet will bridge the digital divide in Kenya’s Mandera and Busia counties. Aligned with UK and Kenyan digital strategies and SDGs 4 and 5, it will train 10,000 community digital champions to reach 500,000 citizens, supporting Kenya’s goal of 20 million digitally literate citizens by 2027. Click here to read more <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/strengthening-digital-communities-faqs/> In the Pipeline: Recent Submissions [image: image] Our memorandum prioritizes digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, affordable access, and digital skills. We recommend grants for last-mile internet, completing the Digital Superhighway, and local connectivity. For cybersecurity: fund threat detection, capacity building, and awareness. Support device subsidies, lower internet fees, community networks, digital literacy, and ICT upgrades in TVETs/universities. Click here to download <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?mdocs-file=51070> From Screens to Impact: Highlights from Thought-Provoking Webinars Love in the Digital Age – Navigating Online Dating Risks & Safety [image: image] Missed KICTANet’s "Love in the Digital Age " webinar? We explored Kenya’s digital dating scene—risks like catfishing, scams, deep fakes, & AI in romance KICTANet shares real stories, challenges, and safety tips. Click here to watch <https://youtu.be/TKLomKFLBXg> [image: image] We hosted a webinar that shared the complex challenge of online radicalization, exacerbated by the spread of disinformation. The discussion explored strategies for countering harmful narratives and promoting critical thinking skills to build resilience against online manipulation. Click here to read more <https://tinyurl.com/mr368xze> Click here to watch <https://youtu.be/P5n8um882zo> On the Global Stage: Top Stories. [image: image] The AI Summit in Paris highlighted AI expansion and innovation, with France emerging as a key hub. Discussions focused on deregulation in Europe, €109B pledged by France and €50B by the EU, and a partial global AI strategy signed by many, excluding the US and UK. AI’s impact on work was noted, with the Global South seen as embracing AI faster than wealthier nations. Click here to read more <https://x.com/honkabogo/status/1889740661630357589> Worldwide Calendar of Key Events. World Radio Day. [image: image] Bridging Digital Policy and Climate Justice: KICTANet celebrated World Radio Day by exploring the powerful role radio plays in connecting communities and fostering dialogue. In line with this year's theme "Radio and climate change, our focus highlighted the intersection of digital policy and climate justice, recognizing radio's ability to disseminate crucial information and empower local action on climate change. Click here to read more <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/world-radio-day-bridging-digital-policy-and-climate-justice/> Safer Internet Day. [image: image] A Call for Shared Responsibility: KICTANet joined the global community in observing Safer Internet Day, emphasising the importance of shared responsibility in creating a safer online environment. Our call to action <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/safer-internet-day-a-call-for-shared-responsibility/> highlights the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including individuals, families, educators, and policymakers. Click here to read more <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/celebrating-safer-internet-day-2025-together-for-a-better-online-world/> Save The Dates: Big Events Just Around the Corner. Rights Con 25 Taipei In- Person and Online [image: image] The 13th edition of RightsCon will be held in Taipei and online from February 24-27, 2025. KICTANet will host a session titled "Mapping and Mitigating Online Gender-Based Violence in Africa: Insights from KICTANet’s OGBV Map." This session will share findings from KICTANet's ongoing research documenting the prevalence and impact of online gender-based violence (OGBV) in Kenya. This research is essential for understanding the scope of the problem, informing effective policy interventions, and raising public awareness. Click here to read more <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/world-radio-day-bridging-digital-policy-and-climate-justice/> Africa Tech Policy Summit - May 12-16, 2025 in Nairobi. [image: image] Join KICTANet for the inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit, a landmark event convening policymakers, private sector leaders, academia, civil society, and tech startups from across the continent. This summit, taking place daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, will focus on harmonizing tech policies, exploring emerging technologies, and fostering multi-stakeholder engagement. Featured Sub-Events include: - 18th Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF): The KeIGF will explore "Tech for human development: Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance." This year's event will also feature Kenya School of Internet Governance(KeSIG) , Youth and Children's IGFs. - East Africa Internet Governance Forum: This regional forum will facilitate knowledge exchange and best practice sharing among East African stakeholders. The Africa Tech Policy Summit aims to generate actionable recommendations for harmonizing tech policies across Africa, foster partnerships, and identify pathways for supporting innovation and inclusive digital transformation. Click here to read more <https://kigf.or.ke/> [image: Twitter] <https://twitter.com/KICTANet?t=KcY1bMCM2gbWwDe6B21mXw&s=09>[image: LinkedIn] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/>[image: Facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet?mibextid=ZbWKwL>[image: YouTube] <https://www.youtube.com/@kictanet8886>[image: Link] <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> As a multistakeholder think tank, KICTANet drives policy discussions aimed at fortifying Kenya's digital landscape against emerging cyber threats through advocacy efforts involving public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement. [image: image] Summary by: Neema Mujesia and David Indeje, Communications Team at KICTANet
