Dear Gakiria,
 
Thanks alot for this invaluable feedback. You speak well.  Harry ( Hare), thanks alot for your earlier post, it helped capture
how things stand currently..
 
Now, Gakiria - you are correct when you say that we have "Golden Nuggets" scattered all over the civil service with advanced
skills, and the challenges faced in harnessing these skills for the common good of government. Then the picture that one
gets is that, with all the massive training that goes into building these skill sets, the holders seem to be waiting for the next
opportunity to jump ship for greener pastures on the other side of the fence. I made a proposal in an earlier post, that the
ministry should make efforts, to lobby for better terms and conditions for these high calibre personnel to stay put. We have
the resources to do it.
 
Secondly, you mentioned about interconnecting skilled public servants, to work out on achieving important goals/projects
collectively. This is quite a good initiative and very encouraging, since one area of cost effectiveness within govt is resource
sharing.
 
Trouble area, as we have been pointing out rather loudly, is not the skill set area. We are talking about the top strategic
decision making process,policy planning/setting and project implementation. A process that needs wider consultations,
feasibility studies, transparency and accountability - because these are national resources for national good. Well, this
possibly might not be within your mandate to address. We would leave it at that, as I believe we've sufficiently addressed
it in other posts.
 
3rd, The E-learning program looks good as an initiative in capacity building. However, I have just 3 questions. How far and
wide is the outreach going to be, as I suppose one of the objectives is to bridge the digital divide. What about the cost
at about 550 Euro for the course...? Will it reach, those who really need it in the rural & remote areas in an effort towards
bridging the divide considering this cost..? And how about the broadband access in these areas, as it's one of the pre-requisites
in order to learn online..?  Please refer to a post Lilian made yesterday, on the Broadband impact, on Govt. delivery and empowerment
of the larger kenyan landscape.
 
E-Learning, would be an example of what she stated - quote to " fast track the use, value and appreciation of broadband
especially among ‘mwananchi’
 
Clearly then, we need to address this Broadband conondrum bedevilling us, as we roll out E-learning and other broadband
dependant projects across the country, otherwise they might become stillborn. What are we doing to address this..?  Are
we engaging service providers firmly enough, to make if affordable in the low income areas, to promote uptake.
 
While at it, policy can be developed to give incentives to service providers investing in broadband service provision in such
rural areas to drive their pricing to "Rock bottom", possibly even at 10% - 15% of the equivalent cost in the urban centres
to try and "bridge". We will need such value based partnerships in order to drive these agendas forward.
 
Harry
 

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 Gakiria
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 6:16 PM
To: harry@comtelsys.co.ke
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Projects - National Implementation - ICT

Dear Harry,

You rightly mention the existence of a "big skills gap" in Government. While this could be true for some cadres like Business technologists as an example, i would hesitate to make that a sweeping statement. one thing i have observed is that there exists thousands of "Golden Nuggets" scattered all over the civil service, and by this i mean officers with specialized and extremely advanced skills sets in various critical fields across the board. Am sure you will agree with me that Government is the best trainer you can ever get (I know of enterprising individuals who aspire to enter the civil service with the sole aim of aggressivley exploiting the countless opportunities for training offered by Government). The challenge thus becomes, how can we sustainably and realistically interconnect these skilled public servants to create or achieve critical mass for specific/on going tasks and projects?

 And for those critical skill sets that are lacking or in very limited supply, how can we support their acquisition by civil servants? How many corporates are willing to donate part of their CSR or development resources to build a critical mass of Animators / Web masters / Business Technologists / Network engineers etc..The reality is that corporates will wait for Government to invest huge amounts of resources in training its officers then promptly snatch them up with attractive job offers. while they cannot be blamed for this, the question then becomes, how can we support development and retention of these skilled officers in Government? It is in the best interest for all of us to have highly skilled civil servants.

On our part (Kenya e-Learning centre), we are working with the ministry of Information and communications and other stakeholders to start the process of harnessing our existing knowledge resources and other intangible assets for collective and National development objectives. One such initiative is the National e-Learning strategy development and implementation team. Skills development and transfer will form a core part of this strategy, targetting not only civil servants but also the private sector, civil society and religious organizations.

Find attached a training program for the education and training sector as an example of course offerings being jointly developed.

For those of you who can, i urge you to attend the regional e-Learning conference at KIE, 29 - 31March 2010 (http://www.icwe.co.ke/elearn2010/)

Andrew

On Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 3:27 PM, Harry Hare <harry@africanedevelopment.org> wrote:
Harry and Dr Ndemo,

The "lone ranger" approach to the implementation of ICT projects in
government is not easy to get rid of due to the various interests in these
projects at both the ministry and even private sector levels. Minisries
fight for budgets for their projects and would always want to control them.

Now, we have a window that we could use to structure the development and
adoption of ICT in Government through a consultative development of the
"National ICT Masterplan".

I think it is crucial that such a document is developed with a focus of
looking at how ICT can assist in redelivering the vision 2030. This will be
a holistic approach with a definite target. So all the ministry's will be
responsible for implementing their piece of the Masterplan and reading from
the same script. The implementation could be domiciled at the Ministry,
giving them the ownership, with the supervisory and management role at the
ICT Board or any such organisation.

But having said that, there is a serious capacity problem in Government.
Having worked with various ministries, I realise that there is a big skills
gap of business technologists. The people with business knowledge who can
look at the processes/policy and develop a business case for automating that
process. These are the guys (inclusive of gals) who would take Dr Ndemo's
policy statements and turn them into implementable IT projects. These people
normally sit between the policy makers and the techies, cos they understand
both worlds.

This is not to disrespect the techies who are actually working out of their
depth to initiate and manage complex systems in Government. But with the
absence of this carder, the quality of the resulting services and the
management of the projects will always be undermined.

My peni mbili.

Harry (Not Delano)


On 3/25/10 10:17 AM, "Harry Delano" <harry@comtelsys.co.ke> wrote:

> Dear Ps,
>
> As you can, see I have changed the subject on this thread, so that the
> discussion is not only on a particular project,at the same time not to
> appear to send wrong connotations. We do not intend to cast aspersions on
> any personality.
>
> Frankly, what we concerned with here and would kindly request to be
> addressed, is the tendency by different govt. depts to assume "a go alone"
> approach on matters that involve a lot of stakeholders in different sectors
> nationally,only for such non consultative projects to hit several "dead
> ends" be declared non-starters with huge cost ramifications, wastage and
> credibility - At best they become "white elephants". Enough of these dot our
> national landscape, and it's just so saddening that we never seem to learn.
>
> There are very valid reasons for engaging, to consult widely. Sometimes, it
> is a good way to get a "Reality check" before jumping.
>
> As far as ICT is concerned, tools, brain resources to tap from and good will
> are widely available. We can ensure we make effort to have things done
> right.
>
> Possibly if all could adopt an "open door" policy, and engage just as you
> yourself have made effort to, then we would make a lot of progress.
>
> Just a thought.
>
> Regards,
> Harry
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bitange@jambo.co.ke [mailto:bitange@jambo.co.ke]
> Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 10:09 PM
> To: harry@comtelsys.co.ke
> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Ongeri Hurray on ICT Bus
>
> KIE is doing a great job on education content development.  We have several
> joint initiatives.  Next week March 29 -31 we have a major e-learning
> conference to showcase local digital content.  You are all welcome.
>
> We shall make great progress if we begin by asking rather than complaining.
> Development is largely thinking positive and taking risk in good faith.
>
> Regards
>
> Ndemo.
> Sent from my BlackBerryR
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Harry Delano" <harry@comtelsys.co.ke>
> Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:17:22
> To: <bitange@jambo.co.ke>
> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Ongeri Hurray on ICT Bus
>
>
> If I would look at it from another angle, I suppose also and I will keep on
> insisting - Let us please ensure for grand projects such as this that will
> impact on the nation, we develop a Multistakeholder approach, consult widely
> and sell the idea and also listen to other ideas out there,then settle on
> the best - in terms of feasibility,impact and cost effectiveness.
>
> I think while it is good to initiate good projects that stand to benefit the
> nation, it will be prudent also to develop a model that will ensure all
> angles of such projects are covered right through from the point of
> incubation to implementation. We are accustomed now to "Surprise projects"
> when least expected, which fade off as soon as they are mooted.
>
> While we on this topic, I posted earlier this morning an initiative by the
> Ministry of Education to digitalize the Academic curriculum in schools. For
> instance in this case, is the ministry of ICT Involved? What about other
> stakeholder...? What would this portend - especially for Educational
> Material /curriculum Publishers, who may lose a market share in the
> education sector?
> How feasible is it? What is
> the impact of the huge digital divide at present on such an initiative? What
> about broadband? Shouldn't we address this first..?
>
> Certainly a lot of questions..I think it would be advisable for the govt.
> organs to engage far & wide..
>
> 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 crystal@voicesofafrica.org
> Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 7:29 PM
> To: harry@comtelsys.co.ke
> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Ongeri Hurray on ICT Bus
>
> That is precisely my arguement for using those funds for training centers
> and Rural Internet Kiosks. These are designed to teach people computer and
> Internet skills. The people who are trained can then working in the schools,
> clinics, and other areas where ICTs can be used for development. Education
> must be viewed holistically to encompass the whole society not simply school
> children who can occassionally board the bus. In addition these projects are
> financially self sustaining after implementation and prove much needed
> employment.
>
> Let us consider the long term ramifications of our investments and ensure
> that we get the maximum impact. It is easier said than done, but if we do
> not begin the journey it will never be done.
>
> Blessings,
>
> Crystal
> Sent from my BlackBerryR
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bitange@jambo.co.ke
> Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:15:50
> To: <crystal@voicesofafrica.org>
> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Ongeri Hurray on ICT Bus
>
> Robert,
> Things are not as easy as you write here.  Today in Kenya you cannot try to
> do anything without taking into account of regional interests.  I hope you
> are watching the constitutional process and the regional emotions.
> Imagine if we were to start with schools in the ASAL region promising to
> cover the entire country in the next five years.  Consider that Ministry of
> Education does not have adequate number of teachers as we speak yet you will
> need at least one computer teacher in the 20,000 primary schools and 9,000
> secondary schools.
>
> If we need to close the digital divide, we all must change.  We must for
> example begin volunteering to teach both the students and the unemployed
> youth computers.  By so doing, you will one day live to say what you did for
> your country.  Like it is said "it is easier said than done".
>
> Regards
>
>
> Ndemo.
>
>
>
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> It seems that some sanity is coming into the education realm with the Hon.
>> Minister Dr. Ongeri canceling the proposed ICT Bus project, I believe
>> once bitten twice shy.
>>
>> The project was to cost Kes. 1.2  B with each bus costing Kes. 7
>> Million which equates to 171 buses that is roughly 24 buses per
>> province this was surely another scan in the making.  I remember the
>> MP of
> Kisumu Hon.
>> Shabbir raising the issue of the buses and getting dismissed as a self
>> seeking technology Neanderthal, lets hope this is the beginning of
>> sanity in the ICT arena, but if I was you I wouldn't hold my breath.
>>
>> I suspect that the concept of mobile computer labs was a thinking from
>> the mobile library project but someone forgot that with a library the
>> books are left behind.
>>
>> With Kes 7 million we could do much more than just a single bus with
>> 20 computer that requires a driver, insurance, service, generators,
>> and many other thinks.
>>
>> Here is my suggestion on how the 7 million could be better utilised to
>> meet the objectives.
>>
>> - 20% to be used for physical facilities (stone & mortar) - Kes. 1.4 M
>> - This can build 150 sq m of classroom space inclusive of electrical
>> wiring & burger proofed windows. An average computer lab is 15 sq m
>> which means we can build 10 labs and each can accommodate 20
>> screens/pcs.  We could build even more labs if the Ministry if Housing
>> provided the interlocking soil block making machines
>>
>> - 30% to be used for provision of power to the lab - Kes. 2.1 million
>> we which we need to provide sufficient power.  The computers will need
>> to be low power consumers therefore we use TFT screens and cpu sharing
>> devices that allow 1 computer to be used simultaneously by 4 or more
> students.
>> With this our power requirement for each lab would be below 1,000 VA
>> which can easily be supplied by a few solar panels and a battery bank.
>>
>> - 20% for the actual hardware - Kes. 1.4 M - DC powered computers,
>> printers and GSM modem with a good proxy server to provide local caching.
>> This will also include structured cabling which will be done by the
>> graduats of the kazi kwa Vijani initiative where they will have been
>> offered technical training.
>>
>> -  20% teacher training - Kes. 1.4 M, even if we have them certified
>> in ICDL we shall be able to train 66 teachers which would provide
>> enough computer teachers.
>>
>> - 10% well I leave you to decide what to do with that, note that there
>> are no recurrent costs such as drivers, diesel, electricity costs (God
>> does not charge for solar, yet).
>>
>> The 10 labs can be used by the schools during the day and could be
>> made available to the community in the evenings and as digital
>> villages over the weekends where content can be generated, yes local
>> content (ask me for details).
>>
>> Now that I have spend the equivalent of 1 bus to create 10 centers why
>> won't we actually do this, because I did not factor in the feasibility
>> study costs, 30%, seminars and workshops 50%, sitting allowances 20%
>> and well nothing else to include as the preliminary costs have already
>> consumed the 7 million.
>>
>> Ongeri hurray but lets hope the money will not go to drinking water
>> and writing materials for a bonding session.
>>
>> Regards
>>
>>
>>
>>  Robert Yawe
>> KAY System Technologies Ltd
>> Phoenix House, 6th Floor
>> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200
>> Kenya
>>
>>
>> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696
>>
>>
>>
>>
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