Alice Best.. This is good news, a resounding endorsement in itself.. As the 'Internet Community' in the country, we can only register our deepest appreciation to the B.O.D, for taking such a bold and well articulated decision in light of the circumstances.. Ultimately, the realization, affirmation and recognition of the fact that national security is a matter of concern the world over, rather than limited to 'Kenya is a laudable statement from the C.E.O of ICANN. Now, this is not to say that the organizing comm here rests on on it's laurels following this 'vote of confidence'. It's important now we start seeing some 'visible' co-ordinated, and purposeful steps being undertaken in order to prepare for ICANN. Perhaps next time we have such an important meeting/conference taking place, pse let's have a website launched immediately with round the clock updates to inform the wider public. Kenic's last update on ICANN must have been sometimes last year. ICANN is coming home in less than 2 months. As a stakeholder, this forum now expects frequent up to date communication on what's cutting guys. Hope this is not a 'closed' affair. We have a wide array of such talent on 'board' here that the comm can tap from. Please let's keep the communication flowing on this space and share info, to participate - lest the forum be mistaken for a 'talking shop' rather than stakeholders who participate. Alice, can you let us know how far the comm has gone, and how frequent your updates are going to be from now on..? Meantime, everyone on this list ensure you register enmasse at http://www.registration123.com/ICANN/Nairobi/
From estimates on the site, it looks like less than 20 from Kenya have registered, while the bulk of attendees are jetting in. Let's support this initiative, and purpose to attend in large numbers.
Regards, Harry -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of alice Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2010 12:14 AM To: harry@comtelsys.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] ICANN Remains Committed to Nairobi and Africa http://blog.icann.org/2010/01/icann-remains-committed-to-nairobi-and-africa/ ICANN Remains Committed to Nairobi and Africa by Rod Beckstrom on January 22, 2010 We have listened to the community. Many are looking forward to Nairobi, some expressed concerns, particularly in light of the events in downtown Nairobi on January 15. Accordingly, ICANN staff and board have reexamined the security situation During our re-examination we first explored moving the event out of the downtown Nairobi area to a suburb, but determined that no suitable venue was available. Second, we reached out to the Kenyan government as well as other nations with operations in Kenya for their risk assessments of the situation. The consistent feedback was that the overall risk assessment of Nairobi had not changed. Accordingly, based on the ICANN CEO's recommendation, the ICANN Board has approved moving ahead with the ICANN Nairobi meeting. At the same time, we recognize that many developing country cities have higher ambient levels of street crime and much of the world (the U.S. And Europe included) faces international terrorist threats and attacks. Both are simply facts of life. Also, as with all ICANN events, we will continue to monitor the security situation in case there are any material future changes. For any ICANN community members who do not travel to the event, remote participation will be available for many of the meetings. Given that ICANN is committed to "One world. One Internet. Everyone connected." we have engaged and will continue to engage with the whole world. We greatly appreciate the assistance of Kenya, the host country, and their commitment to address ICANN security concerns. In addition, the ICANN board has approved further security investments by the CEO as necessary for the event, and the CEO will become personally involved in reviewing the security plans. I love Kenya. I have been to Nairobi six times and greatly look forward to participating in this important ICANN International meeting. Rod Beckstrom CEO and President ICANN 22 January 2010 _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: harry@comtelsys.co.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/harry%40comtelsys.co.ke