Shem, can we have an over-arching coordinated approach to implementation without first taking a break to Master Plan? Could we change things mid-way implementation instead of going back to the planning stage again? Kenya has been planning and analysing for so long that many of us just want to see action. Paul, why wouldn't the ICT Board act as a coordination centre or a central reference point for ICT projects in Kenya? As you market ICTs, let all ICT projects (by Civil society, Private sector, government, PPP etc) be documented, easily accessed and referenced so that we encourage partnerships or complementary projects. I believe this would allow us to focus on Action/Implementation and let "The Kenyan Approach" be a learning-by-doing model. For instance, www.BungeSMS.com would be happy to find more partners from a central projects database of ICT/mgovernment projects. We are talking to a few and would be glad to complement others with a similar vision. All this can be done - in practice - rather than as per a generic umbrella plan. Regards Wainaina - original message - Subject: Re: [kictanet] {Disarmed} Fw: Re: [NewVisionKenya] Voiceless'Knowledge Workers' From: Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> Date: 11/06/2008 21:33 Hi Paul, Please don't repeat the same mistake that was made with Vision 2030. From experience, involve 'people' (otherwise called 'stakeholders') from day 1. When Rwanda's first plan (NICI I: 2000-2005) was drawn, that mistake was made. NICI II (2006-2010) was prepared differently. Rather than assemble a few experts and prepare a draft, work with the stakeholders to develop the draft. You can still have a few experts to 'guide' or 'inform' the process, but for heaven's sake please let the process be stakeholder-owned from day one. As for the 'marketing' element, my understanding was that the person concerned did not mean to imply that it is not important - but that it should not be the core function. Best rgrds, Shem --- On Wed, 6/11/08, Paul Kukubo <pkukubo@ict.go.ke> wrote: From: Paul Kukubo <pkukubo@ict.go.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] {Disarmed} Fw: Re: [NewVisionKenya] Voiceless'Knowledge Workers' To: shemochuodho@yahoo.com Cc: "New Vision List" <newvisionkenya@yahoogroups.com>, "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 12:37 PM Shem The ICT board will very soon subjecting the draft strategic plan to stakeholder review. This might be one intervention point and your direct participation as a key player in the ICT space will be highly appreciated. ICT as a sector and as an enabler of other sector. One comment you did make in an ealier post is worth revisiting. The issue of marketing ICTs. (You did indicate that you were quoting someone). The board sees marketing of ICTs as one very important activity. This debate we are having here is being widened through the ICT board's Public Panels and Open Forums. Soon we will be going country wide listening to people as they express what they understand about ICT and exposing them to ICT opportunities. There are different audiences/markets for our programs. The most interesting task for us has been how to spread ICTs to the mass market and still retain our relevance among hardcore ICT stakeholders (those like yourself whose counsel we seek). Most Kenyans are not yet part of this debate. This is the divide our programs seek to bridge. Paul Kukubo Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Celtel Kenya -----Original Message----- From: Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:49:49 To:pkukubo@ict.go.ke Cc:New Vision List <newvisionkenya@yahoogroups.com>,KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] {Disarmed} Fw: Re: [NewVisionKenya] Voiceless 'Knowledge Workers' Bw PS, Once again allow me to say it is commendable to see you being 'responsive' online. On ICT development, I don't think what we are complaining of is 'inaction'; No. There are lots of good 'projects' happening. Our/My concern is that they are not coherent, or rather there is no overarching 'comprehensive' or 'integrated' plan portraying the 'bigger picture' than individual projects or initiatives do. Examples of African countries with such comprehensive Masterplans include Rwanda, Tunisia and Mozambique. If we have (such) a master plan, I am not aware, and I would be more than delighted to see it. Otherwise, good strategies like that for the BPO's, the E-Govt Strategy, etc, should only be sub-components of the 'Masterplan'. As for lacking entrepreneurs, am not sure I entirely agree, either. Once again allow me to contend that Kenya has got some of the most 'enterprising' human resources. What they lack are opportunities and an enabling environment. I know some strides have been made, but we still have a long way to go. Just for instance, Tanzania gives up to 15% advantage to local firms when they bid for Govt projects (or so am told). Unless Kenyan rules have changed, I don't think such a provision exists. But that's just one area for improving the environment. There are several others, some specific to ICT, others of a more general nature. Developing a 'Masterplan' would create an opportunity for sufficient engagement with diverse 'Stakeholders' (including 'Professionals' and 'Entrepreneurs') that would unearth more comprehensively areas of improvement that the ICT private sector requires to fly. Finally, I don't think Govt can run away from building, creating and utilizing capacity. Of course it doesn't do it alone; it does it in collaboration with other players. But it is incumbent, as a starting point, upon Govt to come up with a comprehensive 'Human Capacity Development and Utilization Plan'. And rumour has it one could be in the offing; if that is true, that would be great. If the rumour is not true, then something needs to be done about it. My 2 cents worth. Warmest rgrds, Shem _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: wainaina@madeinkenya.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya....