I would add to all this the factor of poverty. Yes, its s scape goat for so many things but let me explain this one. How many people would afford to be connected to the grid if they had a choice. And this is not just SMS and voice, which is doing OK, the issue here is access to USSD and Mobile Apps that can add value. There may be infrastructure and Internet may be decent in some parts of the country, but access is also limited to what the pocket can hold. The other important issue is the issue of digital literacy, especially in Rural Areas. And this is in 2 forms. Literacy on how to make use of Digital Technology, and also, of course, literacy on how to navigate the Internet with mobile devices or any other networked device and similar services. It may be of concern that some people may have a small decent smart phone, but may invest more in Alcohol than in Internet Bundles and Airtime. Is this a literacy issue? It may be an issue of choice.. that is yet another debate. Just raising an opinion. On Mon, Jan 18, 2016 at 1:57 PM, Fiona Asonga via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Hallo Barrack
MHO What you are requesting in terms of an audit should be shared soon with what I hope CA will be publishing as the Access Gap analysis. I haven't seen the report yet but am aware a study was conducted sometime last year. The outcome of that study would answer the question of where are the gaps in infrastructure deployments on a national scale. Then we can discuss and consider why and recommend some practical solutions.
On self service, we need to review several factors; Power and road infrastructure, levels of literacy, available and affordable access mechanisms (end-user devices), ease of use of the applications developed this I think are not a conclusive list but can be added into the list of factors that we need to pay attention to from the users end. Here am thinking of Wanjiku being able to apply for ID replacement, report incidents and get updates from the local officials via sms.
There is also the supply side and on this we need to look at the role of county government to facilitate or block ICT infrastructure development, existing infrastructure policy (thinking of the critical infrastructure bill), operator and community incentives (function of the USF). There could be several more we can list on both the supplier and end-user sides of the divide.
Kind regards
Fiona Asonga
----- Original Message ----- From: "Barrack Otieno via kictanet" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: tespok@tespok.co.ke Cc: "Barrack Otieno" <otieno.barrack@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 18, 2016 11:16:15 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT Authority request on Connected Kenya
Hi GG,
Many thanks for this request. It came at a perfect time.
Back to Nairobi is not Kenya and Kenya is not Nairobi.
Over the weekend i went on a visit to a place called Keekonyokie, approximately 70 Kilometres from Nairobi in the Rift Valley to the South of Nairobi. The following were my observations:
1) There was no road or Infrastructure for that matter.
2) There was no network (Safaricom, Airtel etc. I did not try Thuraya) I saw some satelite dishes on houses suggesting DSTV presence.
3) There was no electricity. We left the Kenya Power grid at a place called Oltepesi 30 Kilometres away. The grid ended up in a private ranch ( I cant recall the name).
Closer to the City (52 Kilometres to be precise) i have been begging the network service providers (specifically Safaricom) to boost their Signal or bring a base station at a place called Kisamese for one year. They have been managing me really well and i am gratefull for their politeness and prompt action in responding on social media.
Conclusion
1) We need a thorough country wide audit of infrastructure (Communications, Roads, Power etc) 2) We need to estabish whether the same infrastructure is serving the intended purposes.<div id="DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><table style="border-top: 1px solid #aaabb6; margin-top: 30px;"> <tr> <td style="width: 105px; padding-top: 15px;"> <a href=" https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail " target="_blank"><img src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/logo-avast-v1.png" style="width: 90px; height:33px;"/></a> </td> <td style="width: 470px; padding-top: 20px; color: #41424e; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">This email has been sent from a virus-free computer protected by Avast. <br /><a href=" https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail " target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com</a> </td> </tr> </table><a href="#DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2" width="1" height="1"></a></div>
Good morning Listers I have received a request from the ICT Authority on the topic of Connected Kenya.
Connected Kenya this year wants to explore the theme of getting Citizen to “Self Serve” through provision of e-government services. The theme is “Bridging the service gap”
In the spirit of consultation, and in recognizing the valuable ideas from the different sectors of the community, the ICT Authority would like to get industry thoughts and views on what they perceive as barriers to the achievement of ‘self-services’ to mwananchi in Kenya. What can government do in terms of policies, implementation of projects, engagement to further this agenda? And what role does the Private sector also play and how can both come together to further the interest of getting
On 1/18/16, Grace Githaiga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: the
citizen to access services at the comfort of their homes?
We request that for the next five days, you kindly feel feel free to contribute and help the Authority shape up the agenda for this important conference. Phyllis from ICTA will collate all your ideas. Asanteni sana. RgdsGrace
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/tespok%40tespok.co.ke
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ultimateprogramer%40gm...
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
-- *Ahmed Maawy* Executive Director - SwahiliBox / M-Power (CBO) Ambassador - Open Knowledge Director - Startup Grind Mombasa Software Developer - AJ+ / EveryLayer (KE) +254 714 960 627 Skype: ultimateprogramer swahilibox.co.ke www.okfn.org <http://okfn.org/> startupgrind.com ajplus.net www.everylayer.com