Kevit

This is the height of arrogance - excuse my sceptism. The names you have just mentioned are the exact reasons why Kenyan's should be very ashamed of themselves.

I do not see Kenyan's directing major corporations in India and Europe.

Joe

On Sat, Jul 12, 2008 at 12:52 PM, kevit desai <kevit@centurionsystemsltd.com> wrote:

Dear Brian,

Apologies accepted. And thank you Mr Chairman.

Wambui it is acceptable to challenge governance structures and also wish to know more about associations. How else will we seek your support with some off the very exciting things we are doing.

What deeply concerns me is the notion that associations should be run by Kenyans. We all have to rise well above this, especially when we see the success and contributions of some people. Kenya's grateful to have people like Mike Eldon, Steve Smith, Michael Joseph, Marcel Werner, and others, they have contributed so much. Even to the peace process let alone the advances in ICT's.

Kictanet must stamp out any form of racist remarks. This is the lowest of the lowest, and contributes to disengagement. Rules have to be put in place.

Your leadership is a sigh of relief. And I look forward to you uniting us all to a common vision of ICT's for National development.

I am waiting….

Kevit Desai

From: kictanet-bounces+kevit=centurionsystemsltd.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kevit=centurionsystemsltd.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Brian Munyao Longwe
Sent: 12 July 2008 09:50
To: kevit@centurionsystemsltd.com
Cc: kictanet-lists
Subject: [kictanet] Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and Regulation fore-Commerce in Kenya

Dear Marcel/Kevit/KIF,

I will personally take this opportunity to apologize on behalf of KICTANET for the ills which KIF has suffered in the recent dialogue.

As Kevit (and you) have clearly pointed out, KiF has welcomed anyone with questions to have these answered in person while at the same time providing as many answers as this media allows.

I know both yourself and Kevit to be men of integrity and seriously dedicated to the advancement of IcTs in Kenya. I now humbly beg you to forgive the indiscretions by some of our members in their misuse of this forum.

As Chairperson of this Network I will not stand by and see this forum turned into the kind of low and despicable rant-fests that have characterised certain other Kenyan lists and blogs.

I hereby request a public apology to KIF on this list, from Alex, by Tuesday, failing which I will suspend his (and any other member who persists in mudslinging) list membership for one month.

I once again humbly appeal to all members of this list to desist from the kind of myopic, vindictive banter that we have recently witnessed. We must work *together* for a better Kenya, and this will not come through tomfoolery and irresponsible words/actions.

Sincerely

Brian Munyao Longwe

Chairman, KICTANET

Sent from my iPhone

On 11 Jul 2008, at 10:44 PM, "Marcel Werner" <marcelcwerner@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Kictanet membership,

The Kenya ICT Federation (KIF) is a reputable organization, duly registered and maintaining a proper governance system with a registered, paid-up membership base consisting of equally reputable ICT associations and companies.

KIF has done a number of useful things over the period of its existence (see Kevit's posting, earlier this week).

Recent postings on the Kictanet list appear to discredit our own organization KIF and its members with insinuations and slander. This is unacceptable.

The Kictanet web-site shows KIF as a member of Kictanet (nr 8). We do not wish to be associated with an organization that lends itself to unhelpful campaigns by individuals, campaigns that can go on with impunity. There is no need at all to damage our and other's initiatives that are being implemented in the public interest (see again Kevit's posting) by informal networks with doubtful legitimacy. Please note that KIF has never signed any membership instrument with Kictanet, neither have we been charged nor have we paid for any membership fees. (page 9 of the Kenya ICT Action Network Competence Status Survey Assessment Report (posted on http://www.kictanet.or.ke/) highlights the membership problems of Kictanet. Personally I had highlighted this membership problem already a year ago in the interview that Kictanet held with us some time mid 2007 in the evaluation study of its role and performance – I have to conclude today that membership management has never been addressed at Kictanet). We instruct Kictanet to remove KIF from its list of its appointed "Members".

We look forward to be part of a Kictanet that has a legitimate constituency because there is need for a place of dialogue between civil society and private sector. Kictanet is not playing such a role today at all and creates a space for civil society to alienate itself from the private sector. Kictanet needs to clean up its house.

We need serious dialogue, between all sectors in society, and we need to reach out internationally. We don't have time for any nonsense.

Best regards, Marcel Werner, chairman of KIF :)

2008/7/11 kevit desai <kevit@centurionsystemsltd.com>:

Alex,
Kenya ICT Federation is a serious and well established organization,
supported by its members who are also reputable and well established
organizations.
I confirm Centurion systems does not receive any money from KIF. Please
verify the Business advocacy funds contributions and conditions since your
information is false.

It is not right to publish insinuations affecting KIF and its membership on
a forum like Kictanet. Especially, since I have extended an invitation to
meet so that I can give further explanations. I am waiting to gauge the
interest in this invitation.

For now I close my participation.

Kevit Desai

-----Original Message-----
From: Gakuru , Alex [mailto:alexgakuru.lists@gmail.com]
Sent: 11 July 2008 17:24

To: kevit desai
Cc: kictanet-lists
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya

Kevit;

KIF recently received Kshs 3.5 grant million from a certain business fund.
I am curious centurion system hosts them under their CSR?

Public forum to explain all dealings openly and transparently?.

regards,

On 7/11/08, kevit desai <kevit@centurionsystemsltd.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Dear Sylvester,
>
>
>
> Thank you for all the interest shown. Some of you would like further
> information on the following activities:
>
>
>
> Historical & present- Impact
>
>
>
> - Ministerial stakeholder forum (regular sectoral discussions
> private sector - Government, with KEPSA)
>
> - Power up with ICT nation - wide awareness campaigns (2004,
2005,
> 2006)
>
> - E-Government - municipal councils
>
> - Open source software community
>
> - E-commerce legislation
>
> - Engineering student exhibition - 1997 - 2008
>
> - ICT Bills (2006 - 2008)
>
> - Creation of INFOCOM Ministry (2003)
>
> - National ICT Policy formulation (2004 - 2006)
>
> - Tax reforms 2006, 2007, 2008
>
> - National innovation system
>
> - University Education Reforms Task Force (2006 - current)
>
> - PSDS
>
> - Africon 2009
>
> - Public panels with Kenya ICT Board
>
>
>
> Associations:
>
>
>
> - KEPSA
>
> - KIF
>
> - IEEE
>
> - Kenya software industry association
>
>
> Please confirm your interest in a meeting. This will allow me to gauge
level
> of participation so as to plan the venue and also mobilize the relevant
> leaders. If you are not on board, it would be great to have you on board.
We
> need your support
>
>
>
> Kevit Desai
>
>
>
> Director of Engineering - Centurion Systems
>
> Chairperson IEEE - Kenya Section
>
> Chairman - Engineering students exhibition
>
> Governor - KEPSA
>
> Director - KEPSA
>
> Director - Innovation Africa
>
> Director- Kenya ICT Board
>
> Vice Chairman - Kenya ICT Federation
>
> BOA - AIESEC
>
> Member - National Strategy for University Education
>
> Co-ordinator - Growing Sustainable Business(GSB)-UNDP Kenya
>
> General Co-Chair - Africon 2009
>
> 2nd Fl, New Rehema Hse, Raphta Rd, Westlands -Nairobi
>
> P.O. BOX 66031 - 00800 Nrb.
>
> Tel:+254 20 4440102/3 Fax: +254 20 4440104 CDMA: 020 2049750
>
> Mobile: +254 722 517067
>
> http://www.centurionsystemsltd.com
>
> http://www.ieee.org
>
> http://www.engineeringexhibition.co.ke
>
> http://www.innovation-africa.net
>
> http://www.kepsa.or.ke
>
> http://www.powerup.co.ke
>
> http://www.aiesec.org
>
> http://www.africon2007.co.za
>
> http://www.kif.or.ke
>
> www.ict.go.ke
>
> http://www.globalcompact.org
>
> http://www.undp.org/business/gsb
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
>
> From:
> kictanet-bounces+kevit=centurionsystemsltd.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke
>
[mailto:kictanet-bounces+kevit=centurionsystemsltd.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke]
> On Behalf Of Brian Longwe
> Sent: 10 July 2008 18:57
> To: kevit@centurionsystemsltd.com
>
> Cc: kictanet-lists
> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in
Kenya
>
>
>
>
> Hi Sylvester,
>
> Thank you so very much for highlighting yet another way in which KICTANET
> is beneficial to the communicat at large. through KICTANET we all learn so
> many good things that are happening in/around - and can then make our own
> decisions as to whether to follow up/engage.
>
> Regards,
>
> Brian
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 10:17 AM, Sylvester Kisonzo
> <skisonzo@securenet.co.ke> wrote:
>
>
>
> And where can I read (or get information) about all these new names to me?
> KEPSA, KIF, etc? Until recently when I joined this group, I had never
heard
> of them. So I wonder how all the 'stakeholders' have all along been
> involved.
>
>
>
> SK
>
>
>
>
> From:
> kictanet-bounces+skisonzo=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke
> [mailto:kictanet-bounces+skisonzo=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke]
> On Behalf Of Joseph Manthi
> Sent: 09 July 2008 20:47
> To: skisonzo@gmail.com
>
>
>
>
> Cc: kictanet-lists
> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in
Kenya
>
>
>
>
>
> Waudo:
> I would like to pose a simple question:
>
> Why are these associations needed?
>
> Joe
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 1:22 PM, waudo siganga <emailsignet@mailcan.com>
> wrote:
>
> Brian - DFID set up KEPSA in 2001 to unite the private sector voice. The
> idea was to bring together EXISTING associations. Someone got early wind
> that ICT was one of the identified sectors and decided to register a NEW
> association ostensibly as an umbrella body. The real umbrella body was
> actually supposed to be KEPSA, under its ICT Board. Period. Why did
> someone find a pressing need to form a NEW association???
>
> Anyway right now that is history and KEPSA ICT Board is on the right
> track with all associations on board. We have to struggle to make sure
> it stays that way. I do not understand why you seem to be insisting on
> someone visiting KIF. What is the value addition? What can one discover
> there??? Some say there are personal companies underneath and KIF is the
> front but I do not wish to walk in that mud. My interest is KEPSA ICT
> Board not being equated with KIF.
> Waudo
>
>
>
> On Wed, 9 Jul 2008 19:31:54 +0300, "Brian Munyao Longwe"
> <blongwe@gmail.com> said:
> > Actually if my memory serves me right. KIF is KEPSAs "child" i.e when
> > KEPSA decided to have sector clusters KIF was established *by* KEpsa
> > to act as the umbrella for ICT private sector.
> >
> > But I stand to be corrected if I'm getting my facts wrong. But if I am
> > right then it *is* important for any critics to understand the inner
> > workings by visiting.
> >
> > I am urging action instead of just talk.
> >
> > Brian
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> > On 09 Jul 2008, at 6:39 PM, "waudo siganga" <emailsignet@mailcan.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Brian - I do not think that the issue is an interest in the
> > > internal
> > > operations of KIF. We are talking governance in the context of KEPSA/
> > > KIF
> > > relationship, something also of interest to the consumer community.
> > > For
> > > your information last year all stakeholders held a meeting in KEPSA
> > > and
> > > decided to open membership to all interested Private Sector
> > > associations. This was after it was observed that the hitherto
> > > stranglehold on KEPSA by KIF meant that the sector was not adequately
> > > represented. Some people may have felt unhappy or even insecure with
> > > this development. The problem is that my friend Kevit, being the
KEPSA
> > > ICT director uses his position to constantly market KIF as if it is a
> > > favoured player in KEPSA (e.g. "I would like to confirm that the
> > > KEPSA/KIF relationship is vibrant." - as if implying the other
> > > associations are dead) He is often busy promoting "KIF Positions"
> > > instead of "KEPSA Positions" including using KIF letterheads at the
> > > MSFs. I have misgivings about the current ICT leadership in KEPSA
> > > but I
> > > am hopeful things will change.
> > >
> > > Waudo
> > >
> > > On Wed, 9 Jul 2008 16:54:41 +0300, "Brian Munyao Longwe"
> > > <blongwe@gmail.com> said:
> > >> Hi Alex,
> > >>
> > >> I would find it hard to imagine how much more Kevit can explain to
> > >> you
> > >> about KIF.
> > >>
> > >> I would like to suggest that Kevit extend an invitation to you (and
> > >> anyone else who might be interested/concerned) to attend the next
KIF
> > >> meeting as an observer and see/feel the animal yourself.
> > >>
> > >> Brian
> > >>
> > >> Sent from my iPhone
> > >>
> > >> On 09 Jul 2008, at 3:45 PM, Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru@yahoo.com>
> > >> wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> Kevit:
> > >>>
> > >>> I am afraid you have not clarified well enough. I shall not ask you
> > >>> further KEPSA questions although on your previous email you told
> > >>> Waundo "As the director of KEPSA I welcome CSK and any other
> > >>> association to full membership of KEPSA." Apparently this now
> > >>> appears to have changed. And I doubt Waundo complained of
> > >>> "exclusion" not of his private self, rather of CSK? I could be
wrong
> > >>> but he could clarify.
> > >>>
> > >>> On Jun 23, 2008 it was announced that a "Local Software Industry
> > >>> Association established" with, among others, "3.1 Objective, Market
> > >>> the local software industry to venture capitalists." (see
> > >>> announcement document attached) Was it registered under Societies
> > >>> Act
> > >>> ( Read Public interest) or as Private (non-or-for-profit) Company?
I
> > >>> found it strange it was formed 3 days to aour very successful and
> > >>> OPEN BarCamp. Is this one also under your umbrella?
> > >>>
> > >>> On the links you sent onlist:
> > >>>
> > >>> www.innovation-africa.net
> > >>>
> > >>> Domain Name: INNOVATION-AFRICA.NET
> > >>> Registrar: TUCOWS INC.
> > >>> Whois Server: whois.tucows.com
> > >>> Referral URL: http://domainhelp.opensrs.net
> > >>> Name Server: ULTRA103.UK2.NET
> > >>> Name Server: ULTRA104.UK2.NET
> > >>> Status: redemptionPeriod
> > >>> Updated Date: 24-jun-2008
> > >>> Creation Date: 14-may-2007
> > >>> Expiration Date: 14-may-2008
> > >>>
> > >>> I tried www.innovation-africa.co.ke >> was re-directing to >>
> www.kif.or.ke
> > >>> ( but today it now says "under construction") I gather Centurion
> > >>> Systems offices accommodates KIF, is that correct?
> > >>>
> > >>> What I am trying is to understand is who s