Evans, That's a good point. In Vision 2030 the government is aiming toward achieving universal access. While the subsidy on laptops is commendable it does seem counteractive to impose a punitive tax on used computers that may come into the country with some years of life left in them yet. Such computers can make their way to schools and Pasha centres countrywide. I am thinking here of donations of used computers that can make their way into the country through a regulated and monitored channel (such as ComputerAid) who will also have responsibility to ensure EOL disposal according to WEEE standards to prevent dumping of electronic waste. Victor -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+v-gathara=dfid.gov.uk@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+v-gathara=dfid.gov.uk@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Evans Ikua Sent: 27 August 2009 13:56 To: Victor Gathara 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 _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: v-gathara@dfid.gov.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/v-gathara%40dfid.go v.uk ________________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star. The service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit: http://www.star.net.uk ________________________________________________________________________ DFID, the Department for International Development: leading the British Government's fight against world poverty. Find out more about the major global poverty challenges and get the facts on what DFID is doing to fight them: http://www.dfid.gov.uk ______________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Peapod. The service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit: http://www.peapod.co.uk/cleanmail