Hi Evans Used computers have an envrionmental cost from power consumption to the quality of used computers being imported into the country. The ugandan government waived taxes on computers 3 years ago and today i buy my laptops cheaper in kampala than i can get the same laptop in england. The price of a basic enrty level low power consumption CPU has come down to about $ 200. On the other hand you were finding that people who need the technology most were being hoodwinked to actually spend on second hand machines which were retailing at about $ 100 to $ 150. And then they inherit a higher cost of ownership with machines which have low processing power, high power consumption and a very short life. All in all the ban is necessary to prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground. On the kenyan side i think the tax issue ensures that the second hand machines that would be imported are actually of good quality.
From an african perspective i think we do our people a disservice if we accept those who need the services to be hoodwinked by these second hand gifts which end up being a burden on our people.
Governments should actually creat a conducive environment for market forces to bring down the cost of access to ICT. The tax waiver for computers in Uganda over the years has contributed to this we still have a long way to go but i do beleive we are heading in the right direction. regards
-----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+ntegeb=one2net.co.ug@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+ntegeb=one2net.co.ug@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Evans Ikua Sent: 27 August 2009 13:56 To: ntegeb@one2net.co.ug Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Affordable computers
Dear listers, I have reliably learnt that the Uganda Government banned he importation of used computers in that country in the last budget.
Then I remember that the PS, Dr Ndemo, said that the reason why we are paying 25% duty on used computers in Kenya is because there is an East African protocol that demands that used computers must be taxed.
I also remember that the PS has in various fora indicated that its in the best interest of his Ministry and the country to put as much hardware in the hands of the people as possible.
Having observed in the past that this 25% duty on used computers runs counter to OUR strategy to become an ICT powerhouse globally, its now clear that we must break from any agreements that we have with our neighbours that do not tie in with our own strategies. For instance, if Uganda bans used computers, will we be bound to follow suit? What if they don't have similar strategies or objectives and they don't care about having their citizens access computers?.
Haven't we already done this as far as used motor vehicles are concerned? whereas our neighbours have an age limit of 10 years, we have stuck to our 8 years and the community is still strong.
-- Evans Ikua, Chairman, Linux Professional Association of Kenya Tel: +254-20-2250381, Cell: +254-722 955 831 Eagle House, 2nd Floor Kimathi Street, Opp. Corner House www.lpakenya.org
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