I do agree with the authors (I believe from an IDRC publication) who wrote ".....the link between policy research and policy-making is non-linear. Researchers must be flexible and agile in their timing and approaches if they are to influence economic policies. They should be willing and able to re-assess the situation at any point in time, and to re-visit their course of action or strategy".

Failing to plan is planning to fail. Research is not for research sake; research should and can inform policy. Many research centres were created in response to the need to develop policies that are home-grown, given the context of the failures of imported policies. Many policymakers run back to the very researchers who they would listened to in the first place to ensure they work in partnership; however researchers must work in a timely manner. Essentially, Walu, is on the right track.

Best,

Nyaki

From: Bill Kagai <billkagai@gmail.com>
To: elizaslider@yahoo.com
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke>
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 11:23:42 AM
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 of 10-KCA 2008, IT Section - the Bad + Recommendations

OK, I am convinced. This discussion is to do with research and I commend that.
The only catch I can foresee is captured very well by Physicist Dr. Angeyo Kalambuka...quoting him verbatim,

[However, normally, academics look backward to find lessons; policymakers look ahead and often must improvise. Academics can wait until all the facts are in; policymakers cannot. The time horizon of academics may be years; the horizon of policymakers, weeks, days, even hours.]

Source - http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/-/440808/513790/-/428722/-/index.html

This is the key difference between David Makali and co. (who are making things happen and shaping the future) and 'us' who are waiting to derive research from the action Media policy makers take. That is why they are a step ahead of us. Walu is our Academician. Where are our policy makers who will influence our future??

Bill

On Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 9:32 AM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com> wrote:

If i may contribute to this exchange i think the discussion is important Bill. The Law is already in place , however everyone seems to be having their own opinion on the Pro's and Cons of the New law which is counterproductive in the long run for the sector.Dont forget there are vested interests and sideshows in this whole Law issue, as practitioners it is important that we are all informed on the benefits (or good tidings) that the new new law brings and the challenges it might bring to the sector in the long run.In short as others are submitting their petitions let the debate continue, we were challenged at the Hilton Forum to embrace Research and the kind of information being exchanged on this forum is of utmost importance to all members.

On Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 3:55 PM, John Walubengo <jwalu@yahoo.com> wrote:

Bill,

I have no game plan, I am an Academician and so find that I am able to look at this issues from each stakeholders perspective relatively objectively - and yes my effort was 'duly' commissioned by the KICTANet National Cordinator - though not digitally signed :-(.

This 10day exercise is not intended in anywway to undermine any other 'fact-finding' exercise and I believe the Ministry (of Info) does have the resources to multi-task and receive ideas from face-2-face workshops, online workshops, et al.

With regard to timeliness - last I heard was that Wako (AG) and/or Parliament can only begin to debate the suggested recommendations/proposals in April 2009 under a new Bill. So my take is that we have enough time for KICTAnet, ISACA and/or any other Stakeholder to submit their ideas.

Why go into the other Sections -IT, Telco, Postal, etc?. Again, my brief was to do total review of ALL sections - avoid being trapped in the over-hyped Media vs Govt debate because all the other sections are important too and could stand to benefit from a review.

I attach the Program Outline which I posted on Day 1 and looks like you missed it (hence your suspicions?). Nevertheless, If members wish that we rest the discussion, I will close the discussion and move out of the Chair accordingly.