Hi, We already have several ICT incubators. I'm not sure that there is enough biz to keep all the existent ones going let alone 2 new ones (InfoDev and ICT board). -- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 1:15 PM, Edwin Onchari <eonchari@lynxbits.com> wrote:

I followed up on Paul as well on the same day, later in the evening, and not even an acknowledgement to that end. The least they can do is have an update on the KICTB site

From: kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Harry Karanja Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 12:57 PM To: Edwin Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

I had raised the same issue a week or so back to Paul Kukubo of the ICT board through this list. He promised to give feedback on the same.

Harry Karanja n Director n SoftLaw Limited n Genius Executive Centre n 15th Floor View Park Towers  n Utalii Lane n Nairobi CBD n Tel: +254 20 342 225

From: kictanet-bounces+kairo=softlaw.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kairo=softlaw.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of robert yawe Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 11:58 AM To: kairo@softlaw.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

Hi,

Anyone aware of whether this issue has progressed beyond the placing of the advert and if so who have been short-listed to move to the next level?

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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McTim, You should have raised that issue over 4 months ago when the Kenya ICT Board invited interested parties to send a proposal for the development of ICT incubators. Just like with chicken egg incubators you cannot have too many, every year our institutions of higher learning pour out thousands of graduates who need somewhere to develop their skills. An incubator only hatches the chicks after that they are supposed to take in new eggs. If the chicks are allowed to stay in the incubator then it purpose and objective are defeated. As had been indicated the funding was to come from the World Bank or some other donor. What do you suggest that the KICT Board should do with those funds? Can you please also furnish us with some of the ICT incubators in Kenya and also some information on their success cases? I believe many of us on this list would love to visit them to see how they are doing, its possible we are harassing KICTB yet they have done a study and realised that we do not need any more incubators, but at the least they should share that information and that is what is being raised in this post. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> To: robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Mon, 7 February, 2011 14:14:24 Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest Hi, We already have several ICT incubators. I'm not sure that there is enough biz to keep all the existent ones going let alone 2 new ones (InfoDev and ICT board). -- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 1:15 PM, Edwin Onchari <eonchari@lynxbits.com> wrote:

I followed up on Paul as well on the same day, later in the evening, and not even an acknowledgement to that end. The least they can do is have an update on the KICTB site

From: kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Harry Karanja Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 12:57 PM To: Edwin Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

I had raised the same issue a week or so back to Paul Kukubo of the ICT board through this list. He promised to give feedback on the same.

Harry Karanja n Director n SoftLaw Limited n Genius Executive Centre n 15th Floor View Park Towers n Utalii Lane n Nairobi CBD n Tel: +254 20 342 225

From: kictanet-bounces+kairo=softlaw.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kairo=softlaw.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of robert yawe Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 11:58 AM To: kairo@softlaw.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

Hi,

Anyone aware of whether this issue has progressed beyond the placing of the advert and if so who have been short-listed to move to the next level?

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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Thanks McTim for good insights I still think it is too early to conclude though. Consider the following :- 1. Strathmore - am not sure they have had time to graduate any incubatee as yet (any updates?) 2. NaiLab has not taken off as yet. Their space (on the 4th floor of Bishop Magua house?) is still an empty hall. 3. mLab (infoDev, iHub, UoN, Web Foundation, eMobilis) is still at infancy. Currently building out on the empty space on the 3rd flr of Bishop Magua House. 4. ictpark.com (Any updates on some graduates will help) 5. KIRDI<http://www.kirdi.go.ke/Departments/TechnologyTransferExtensionServices/ICTIncubation.aspx> - (Any updates on some graduates will help) Perhaps you mean that the above and other incubation programs are founded on wrong premises. Otherwise am thinking we could do with a little more time before ruling out the option of increasing business incubation services for the ICT sector. Remember a while back we had Bwana PS chastise us on the need for youth to embrace entrepreneurship. Perhaps these incubation services are the required impetus to entrench the required entrepreneurship culture. Best Regards On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 3:43 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> wrote:

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 2:56 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

...

McTim, You should have raised that issue over 4 months ago when the Kenya ICT Board invited interested parties to send a proposal for the development of ICT incubators.

I did point it out to the WB, rather too obliquely perhaps.

...

Just like with chicken egg incubators you cannot have too many,

I think that is an empirical question.

...

our institutions of higher learning pour out thousands of graduates who need somewhere to develop their skills. An incubator only hatches the chicks after that they are supposed to take in new eggs. If the chicks are allowed to stay in the incubator then it purpose and objective are defeated. As had been indicated the funding was to come from the World Bank or some other donor. What do you suggest that the KICT Board should do with

every year those

...

funds?

They would have to give it back if it came from a donor. If it didn't, it seems that some money needs to be spent to persuade ISPs to deploy IPv6, so maybe they could use it for dual stack CPE software. It would be quite a coup for kenyan coders to do this.

...

Can you please also furnish us with some of the ICT incubators in Kenya

Off the top of my head there is: Strathmore NaiLab UoN/ihub/InfoDev/emobilis ictpark.com KIRDI

-- Cheers,

McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

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Thanks for this, it's an interesting discussion. How do all these different incubators, labs, entrepreneurship schemes and open spaces that are emerging in Kenya fit together coherently.... On this subject, I thought I'd point out the launch of the Infodev/DFID/Hivos report on the ICT SME Sector taking place in Nairobi next week (18th Feb). From my brief reading, this report is very much setting out the future agenda for these donors on small ICT business development, so it might be of interest, and perhaps an appropriate platform to raise these issues for debate? http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.673.html (outline is included below) Thanks Chris -- Christopher Foster PhD Researcher, Centre for Development Informatics (CDI) University of Manchester, UK Skype: cgfoster ======= ICT in East Africa - Report Launch East Africa ICT SME Report Launch at World Bank, Nairobi ======= Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a significant role in the next phase of ICT industry growth in East Africa. To assess the market and identify opportunities infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs. report Launch Sign up to attend in person, or online, at eastafricaict.eventbrite.com Please join us on February 18th for the launch of our report on the East African ICT Sector: Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs. This event will be held at the World Bank Offices in Upper Hill Nairobi on 18 February from 10:00am to 12:00pm. We will be presenting the report and hosting a question and answer session with the project team and donor communities. Background The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has been the major driver of economic growth in East Africa over the last decade growing on average by as much as 40%. To date, growth has largely come from world-class innovation by large multinational and local enterprises. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a bigger role in the next phase of industry growth. However, they must overcome a multitude of system-wide challenges in order for them to succeed in the marketplace. To understand the interventions required, a consortium comprised of members from infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, a US and Africa based advisory firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs. The findings suggest that the vision of a robust and dynamic ICT sector driven by SMEs that create jobs and world-class innovation is possible, and the likelihood of this outcome can be improved with a few targeted interventions. The five proposed interventions consist of the development of a fully connected SME network, filling the skills gap in advanced business and technical knowledge, providing start up and early stage funding for companies, enabling job creation for knowledge workers and upgrading the business environment. Together these interventions form the components of a potential East African ICT Business Engine that could boost performance, not only within the ICT sector, as well as continue to expand the economic development of the region. We would like to sincerely thank the over 100 entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, academics and experts who participated in interviews, workshops and numerous discussions over the past 3 months. We appreciate their dedication to the advancement of the ICT sector in East Africa and their invaluable contributions to this report. *Full Report* **Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs * <http://www.infodev.org/en/Document.1040.pdf>* ** ** *Executive Summary * **Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs - Exec Summary * <http://www.infodev.org/en/Document.1041.pdf>* On 07/02/11 17:18, McTim wrote:

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 4:18 PM, John Kieti<jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Thanks McTim for good insights I still think it is too early to conclude though. Consider the following :-

Strathmore - am not sure they have had time to graduate any incubatee as yet (any updates?) NaiLab has not taken off as yet. Their space (on the 4th floor of Bishop Magua house?) is still an empty hall. mLab (infoDev, iHub, UoN, Web Foundation, eMobilis) is still at infancy. Currently building out on the empty space on the 3rd flr of Bishop Magua House. ictpark.com (Any updates on some graduates will help) KIRDI - (Any updates on some graduates will help)

Perhaps you mean that the above and other incubation programs are founded on wrong premises. no, I just mean that we seem to have several, so questioning the need for more at this point.

a related news item: http://www.fastcompany.com/1724774/afrilabs-links-startup-incubators-tech-co... -- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 8:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

Chris, That sounds like a useful forum for Listers interested in the economic future of ICT in the region. I like the thought of initiatives coherently fitting together, as it should be more of collaboration than  competition (not that competition I bad for raising standards). Thanks

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 5:13 PM, Chris Foster <cgfoster@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Thanks for this, it's an interesting discussion. How do all these different incubators, labs, entrepreneurship schemes and open spaces that are emerging in Kenya fit together coherently....

On this subject, I thought I'd point out the launch of the Infodev/DFID/Hivos report on the ICT SME Sector taking place in Nairobi next week (18th Feb).

From my brief reading, this report is very much setting out the future agenda for these donors on small ICT business development, so it might be of interest, and perhaps an appropriate platform to raise these issues for debate?

http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.673.html (outline is included below)

Thanks Chris

-- Christopher Foster PhD Researcher, Centre for Development Informatics (CDI) University of Manchester, UK Skype: cgfoster

======= ICT in East Africa - Report Launch East Africa ICT SME Report Launch at World Bank, Nairobi ======= Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a significant role in the next phase of ICT industry growth in East Africa. To assess the market and identify opportunities infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs. report Launch

Sign up to attend in person, or online, at eastafricaict.eventbrite.com

Please join us on February 18th for the launch of our report on the East African ICT Sector: Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs. This event will be held at the World Bank Offices in Upper Hill Nairobi on 18 February from 10:00am to 12:00pm. We will be presenting the report and hosting a question and answer session with the project team and donor communities.

Background

The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has been the major driver of economic growth in East Africa over the last decade growing on average by as much as 40%. To date, growth has largely come from world-class innovation by large multinational and local enterprises. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a bigger role in the next phase of industry growth. However, they must overcome a multitude of system-wide challenges in order for them to succeed in the marketplace.

To understand the interventions required, a consortium comprised of members from infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, a US and Africa based advisory firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs.

The findings suggest that the vision of a robust and dynamic ICT sector driven by SMEs that create jobs and world-class innovation is possible, and the likelihood of this outcome can be improved with a few targeted interventions. The five proposed interventions consist of the development of a fully connected SME network, filling the skills gap in advanced business and technical knowledge, providing start up and early stage funding for companies, enabling job creation for knowledge workers and upgrading the business environment. Together these interventions form the components of a potential East African ICT Business Engine that could boost performance, not only within the ICT sector, as well as continue to expand the economic development of the region.

We would like to sincerely thank the over 100 entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, academics and experts who participated in interviews, workshops and numerous discussions over the past 3 months. We appreciate their dedication to the advancement of the ICT sector in East Africa and their invaluable contributions to this report.

Full Report

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs

Executive Summary

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs - Exec Summary

On 07/02/11 17:18, McTim wrote:

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 4:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks McTim for good insights I still think it is too early to conclude though. Consider the following :-

Strathmore - am not sure they have had time to graduate any incubatee as yet (any updates?) NaiLab has not taken off as yet. Their space (on the 4th floor of Bishop Magua house?) is still an empty hall. mLab (infoDev, iHub, UoN, Web Foundation, eMobilis) is still at infancy. Currently building out on the empty space on the 3rd flr of Bishop Magua House. ictpark.com (Any updates on some graduates will help) KIRDI - (Any updates on some graduates will help)

Perhaps you mean that the above and other incubation programs are founded on wrong premises.

no, I just mean that we seem to have several, so questioning the need for more at this point.

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We need to get serious about certain issues like wanting to keep things small and cute, WiPro runs a graduate academy that hosts over 18,000 people a year and only employ 1,200. This is the level of engagement we need to aspire for not tiny little over funded projects. It is foolhardy to say that the iHub should be feed and blotted rather than expanded to serve and reach more. It would be like Henry Ford deciding to make a single Ford Model T or Bill Gates developing DOS and using it alone in their garage. If you have some time search on google about scaling and franchising as it might help you appreciate the benefit of getting out of your box and comfort zone and look at how you can have an effect on the larger population. I have said it again this it the thinking of Maria Antoinette, I do not want to be beheaded for refusing to get out of the box. The iHub is a prototype keeping it under wraps is a disservice to the Nation. From Liko's comments I know understand why he offered to give a presentation at AITEC in Nairobi in 2010 and the he did not show leaving many of us disappointed, worst of all you did not have the courtesy to notify the organisers. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: Agosta Liko <agostal@gmail.com> To: robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Mon, 7 February, 2011 22:55:10 Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest I think the ihub is way ahead on this one and it should be supported ... instead of copied ... a y combinator like model would work very well. It would take care of issues like busfare, living expenses etc etc On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 10:50 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> wrote: a related news item:

http://www.fastcompany.com/1724774/afrilabs-links-startup-incubators-tech-co...

-- Cheers,

McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 8:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Chris, That sounds like a useful forum for Listers interested in the economic future of ICT in the region. I like the thought of initiatives coherently fitting together, as it should be more of collaboration than competition (not that competition I bad for raising standards). Thanks

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 5:13 PM, Chris Foster <cgfoster@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Thanks for this, it's an interesting discussion. How do all these different incubators, labs, entrepreneurship schemes and open spaces that are emerging in Kenya fit together coherently....

On this subject, I thought I'd point out the launch of the Infodev/DFID/Hivos report on the ICT SME Sector taking place in Nairobi next week (18th Feb).

From my brief reading, this report is very much setting out the future agenda for these donors on small ICT business development, so it might be of interest, and perhaps an appropriate platform to raise these issues for debate?

http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.673.html (outline is included below)

Thanks Chris

-- Christopher Foster PhD Researcher, Centre for Development Informatics (CDI) University of Manchester, UK Skype: cgfoster

======= ICT in East Africa - Report Launch East Africa ICT SME Report Launch at World Bank, Nairobi ======= Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a significant role in the next phase of ICT industry growth in East Africa. To assess the market and identify opportunities infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs. report Launch

Sign up to attend in person, or online, at eastafricaict.eventbrite.com

Please join us on February 18th for the launch of our report on the East African ICT Sector: Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs. This event will be held at the World Bank Offices in Upper Hill Nairobi on 18 February from 10:00am to 12:00pm. We will be presenting the report and hosting a question and answer session with the project team and donor communities.

Background

The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has been the major driver of economic growth in East Africa over the last decade growing on average by as much as 40%. To date, growth has largely come from world-class innovation by large multinational and local enterprises. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a bigger role in the next phase of industry growth. However, they must overcome a multitude of system-wide challenges in order for them to succeed in the marketplace.

To understand the interventions required, a consortium comprised of members from infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, a US and Africa based advisory firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs.

The findings suggest that the vision of a robust and dynamic ICT sector driven by SMEs that create jobs and world-class innovation is possible, and the likelihood of this outcome can be improved with a few targeted interventions. The five proposed interventions consist of the development of a fully connected SME network, filling the skills gap in advanced business and technical knowledge, providing start up and early stage funding for companies, enabling job creation for knowledge workers and upgrading the business environment. Together these interventions form the components of a potential East African ICT Business Engine that could boost performance, not only within the ICT sector, as well as continue to expand the economic development of the region.

We would like to sincerely thank the over 100 entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, academics and experts who participated in interviews, workshops and numerous discussions over the past 3 months. We appreciate their dedication to the advancement of the ICT sector in East Africa and their invaluable contributions to this report.

Full Report

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs

Executive Summary

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs - Exec Summary

On 07/02/11 17:18, McTim wrote:

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 4:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks McTim for good insights I still think it is too early to conclude though. Consider the following :-

Strathmore - am not sure they have had time to graduate any incubatee as yet (any updates?) NaiLab has not taken off as yet. Their space (on the 4th floor of Bishop Magua house?) is still an empty hall. mLab (infoDev, iHub, UoN, Web Foundation, eMobilis) is still at infancy. Currently building out on the empty space on the 3rd flr of Bishop Magua House. ictpark.com (Any updates on some graduates will help) KIRDI - (Any updates on some graduates will help)

Perhaps you mean that the above and other incubation programs are founded on wrong premises.

no, I just mean that we seem to have several, so questioning the need for more at this point.

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...

Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dogwallah%40gmail.com

...

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Does anyone know if there are any incubators outside of Nairobi? Are there any plans to set up any or is that part of the reason the ICT Board put out last years EOI? Kind regards, *Muchiri* Nyaggah Director @muchiri +254 722 506400 Semacraft.com On Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> wrote:

...

We need to get serious about certain issues like wanting to keep things small and cute, WiPro runs a graduate academy that hosts over 18,000

...

a year and only employ 1,200. This is the level of engagement we need to aspire for not tiny little over funded projects. It is foolhardy to say that the iHub should be feed and blotted rather

On Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 1:44 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote: people than

...

expanded to serve and reach more.

I think their Infodev/UoN/eMobilis consortium developing an incubator is their expansion attempt. There is a notice in the Nation today asking for applications to their program.

<snip>

...

The iHub is a prototype keeping it under wraps is a disservice to the Nation. From Liko's comments I know understand why he offered to give a presentation at AITEC in Nairobi in 2010 and the he did not show leaving many of us disappointed

You and i were supposed to be on a panel together there as well, but I didn't see you. Too bad, was hoping to finally meet up.

-- Cheers,

McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

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Hi Listers, The very first business incubator was kenya kountry business incubator www. kekobi.or.ke which started as a infodev project in JKUAT in 2004 under the leadership of Prof Amadi and myself as the coordinator It later span off and opened an office at national bank building in Nairobi with Prof Amadi as CEO I am sure by now they have very many graduates Kindly check them out on their web www.kekobi.or.ke Cheers all, Charles CHARLES N. NDUATI GENERAL MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-722728815 EMIAL:charlesnduati2002@yahoo.co.uk,cnduati@gmail.com,bm@jkuates.jkuat.ac.ke www.jkuat.ac.ke ________________________________ From: Muchiri Nyaggah <muchiri@semacraft.com> To: charlesnduati2002@yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tue, 8 February, 2011 14:59:15 Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest Does anyone know if there are any incubators outside of Nairobi? Are there any plans to set up any or is that part of the reason the ICT Board put out last years EOI? Kind regards, Muchiri Nyaggah Director @muchiri +254 722 506400 Semacraft.com On Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> wrote: On Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 1:44 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

...

We need to get serious about certain issues like wanting to keep things small and cute, WiPro runs a graduate academy that hosts over 18,000 people a year and only employ 1,200. This is the level of engagement we need to aspire for not tiny little over funded projects. It is foolhardy to say that the iHub should be feed and blotted rather than expanded to serve and reach more.

I think their Infodev/UoN/eMobilis consortium developing an incubator is their expansion attempt. There is a notice in the Nation today asking for applications to their program.

<snip>

...

The iHub is a prototype keeping it under wraps is a disservice to the Nation. From Liko's comments I know understand why he offered to give a presentation at AITEC in Nairobi in 2010 and the he did not show leaving many of us disappointed

You and i were supposed to be on a panel together there as well, but I didn't see you. Too bad, was hoping to finally meet up.

--

Cheers,

McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

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Bwana Robert. I was at AITEC, had a powerpoint failure and had to speak last.... I don't know how my speaking or lack therof affects incubation in Kenya. As I have always said to you on this forum, before you ask about what someone else can do, should do, can do differently ..... Do something Thanks On 2/8/11, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

We need to get serious about certain issues like wanting to keep things small and cute, WiPro runs a graduate academy that hosts over 18,000 people a year and only employ 1,200. This is the level of engagement we need to aspire for not tiny little over funded projects.

It is foolhardy to say that the iHub should be feed and blotted rather than expanded to serve and reach more. It would be like Henry Ford deciding to make a single Ford Model T or Bill Gates developing DOS and using it alone in their garage.

If you have some time search on google about scaling and franchising as it might help you appreciate the benefit of getting out of your box and comfort zone and look at how you can have an effect on the larger population.

I have said it again this it the thinking of Maria Antoinette, I do not want to be beheaded for refusing to get out of the box.

The iHub is a prototype keeping it under wraps is a disservice to the Nation.

From Liko's comments I know understand why he offered to give a presentation at AITEC in Nairobi in 2010 and the he did not show leaving many of us disappointed, worst of all you did not have the courtesy to notify the organisers. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya

Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

________________________________ From: Agosta Liko <agostal@gmail.com> To: robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Mon, 7 February, 2011 22:55:10 Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

I think the ihub is way ahead on this one and it should be supported ... instead of copied ...

a y combinator like model would work very well. It would take care of issues like busfare, living expenses etc etc

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 10:50 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> wrote:

a related news item:

...

http://www.fastcompany.com/1724774/afrilabs-links-startup-incubators-tech-co...

-- Cheers,

McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 8:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Chris, That sounds like a useful forum for Listers interested in the economic future of ICT in the region. I like the thought of initiatives coherently fitting together, as it should be more of collaboration than competition (not that competition I bad for raising standards). Thanks

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 5:13 PM, Chris Foster <cgfoster@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Thanks for this, it's an interesting discussion. How do all these different incubators, labs, entrepreneurship schemes and open spaces that are emerging in Kenya fit together coherently....

On this subject, I thought I'd point out the launch of the Infodev/DFID/Hivos report on the ICT SME Sector taking place in Nairobi next week (18th Feb).

From my brief reading, this report is very much setting out the future agenda for these donors on small ICT business development, so it might be of interest, and perhaps an appropriate platform to raise these issues for debate?

http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.673.html (outline is included below)

Thanks Chris

-- Christopher Foster PhD Researcher, Centre for Development Informatics (CDI) University of Manchester, UK Skype: cgfoster

======= ICT in East Africa - Report Launch East Africa ICT SME Report Launch at World Bank, Nairobi ======= Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a significant role in the next phase of ICT industry growth in East Africa. To assess the market and identify opportunities infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs. report Launch

Sign up to attend in person, or online, at eastafricaict.eventbrite.com

Please join us on February 18th for the launch of our report on the East African ICT Sector: Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs. This event will be held at the World Bank Offices in Upper Hill Nairobi on 18 February from 10:00am to 12:00pm. We will be presenting the report and hosting a question and answer session with the project team and donor communities.

Background

The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has been the major driver of economic growth in East Africa over the last decade growing on average by as much as 40%. To date, growth has largely come from world-class innovation by large multinational and local enterprises. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a bigger role in the next phase of industry growth. However, they must overcome a multitude of system-wide challenges in order for them to succeed in the marketplace.

To understand the interventions required, a consortium comprised of members from infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, a US and Africa based advisory firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs.

The findings suggest that the vision of a robust and dynamic ICT sector driven by SMEs that create jobs and world-class innovation is possible, and the likelihood of this outcome can be improved with a few targeted interventions. The five proposed interventions consist of the development of a fully connected SME network, filling the skills gap in advanced business and technical knowledge, providing start up and early stage funding for companies, enabling job creation for knowledge workers and upgrading the business environment. Together these interventions form the components of a potential East African ICT Business Engine that could boost performance, not only within the ICT sector, as well as continue to expand the economic development of the region.

We would like to sincerely thank the over 100 entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, academics and experts who participated in interviews, workshops and numerous discussions over the past 3 months. We appreciate their dedication to the advancement of the ICT sector in East Africa and their invaluable contributions to this report.

Full Report

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs

Executive Summary

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs - Exec Summary

On 07/02/11 17:18, McTim wrote:

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 4:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks McTim for good insights I still think it is too early to conclude though. Consider the following :-

Strathmore - am not sure they have had time to graduate any incubatee as yet (any updates?) NaiLab has not taken off as yet. Their space (on the 4th floor of Bishop Magua house?) is still an empty hall. mLab (infoDev, iHub, UoN, Web Foundation, eMobilis) is still at infancy. Currently building out on the empty space on the 3rd flr of Bishop Magua House. ictpark.com (Any updates on some graduates will help) KIRDI - (Any updates on some graduates will help)

Perhaps you mean that the above and other incubation programs are founded on wrong premises.

no, I just mean that we seem to have several, so questioning the need for more at this point.

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...

Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dogwallah%40gmail.com

...

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-- Sent from my mobile device

I think I'd find it more productive if we could stear clear of personal insults, or anything moving in that direction. Happy day, Andrea On 9 February 2011 10:39, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

Liko,

I ran an ICT incubator for over 3 years and graduated a number of a organisations and of which developed the system run by Kenya Law Review. The other was one of the 1st locally developed systems for the stock brokerage system.

I currently mentor more than 5 micro and small businesses in various sectors, apart from that I have been providing financial literacy training for over 5 years www.quadrantshift.co.ke.

So Bwana Liko, I am not all hot air as you might think which is why I have the moral right to raise the issues I raised.

Back to you, what have you done to develop young developers or any other business entity?

Regards

PS. I do not live in a glass house therefore I can afford to throw stones.

Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya

Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

------------------------------ *From:* Agosta Liko <agostal@gmail.com> *To:* robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> *Sent:* Tue, 8 February, 2011 16:04:41 *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

Bwana Robert.

I was at AITEC, had a powerpoint failure and had to speak last....

I don't know how my speaking or lack therof affects incubation in Kenya.

As I have always said to you on this forum, before you ask about what someone else can do, should do, can do differently ..... Do something

Thanks

...

We need to get serious about certain issues like wanting to keep things small and cute, WiPro runs a graduate academy that hosts over 18,000 people a year and only employ 1,200. This is the level of engagement we need to aspire for not tiny little over funded projects.

It is foolhardy to say that the iHub should be feed and blotted rather

...

expanded to serve and reach more. It would be like Henry Ford deciding to make a single Ford Model T or Bill Gates developing DOS and using it alone in their garage.

If you have some time search on google about scaling and franchising as it might help you appreciate the benefit of getting out of your box and comfort zone and look at how you can have an effect on the larger population.

I have said it again this it the thinking of Maria Antoinette, I do not want to be beheaded for refusing to get out of the box.

The iHub is a prototype keeping it under wraps is a disservice to the Nation.

From Liko's comments I know understand why he offered to give a

...

at AITEC in Nairobi in 2010 and the he did not show leaving many of us disappointed, worst of all you did not have the courtesy to notify the organisers. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya

Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

________________________________ From: Agosta Liko <agostal@gmail.com> To: robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Mon, 7 February, 2011 22:55:10 Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

I think the ihub is way ahead on this one and it should be supported ... instead of copied ...

a y combinator like model would work very well. It would take care of issues like busfare, living expenses etc etc

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 10:50 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> wrote:

a related news item:

...

http://www.fastcompany.com/1724774/afrilabs-links-startup-incubators-tech-co...

...

-- Cheers,

McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 8:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Chris, That sounds like a useful forum for Listers interested in the economic future of ICT in the region. I like the thought of initiatives

coherently

...

...

fitting together, as it should be more of collaboration than competition (not that competition I bad for raising standards). Thanks

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 5:13 PM, Chris Foster <cgfoster@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Thanks for this, it's an interesting discussion. How do all these different incubators, labs, entrepreneurship schemes and open spaces that are emerging in Kenya fit together coherently....

On this subject, I thought I'd point out the launch of the Infodev/DFID/Hivos report on the ICT SME Sector taking place in

Nairobi

...

next week (18th Feb).

From my brief reading, this report is very much setting out the future agenda for these donors on small ICT business development, so it might be of interest, and perhaps an appropriate platform to raise these issues for debate?

http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.673.html (outline is included below)

Thanks Chris

-- Christopher Foster PhD Researcher, Centre for Development Informatics (CDI) University of Manchester, UK Skype: cgfoster

======= ICT in East Africa - Report Launch East Africa ICT SME Report Launch at World Bank, Nairobi ======= Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a significant role in the next phase of ICT industry growth in East Africa. To assess the market and identify opportunities infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs. report Launch

Sign up to attend in person, or online, at eastafricaict.eventbrite.com

Please join us on February 18th for the launch of our report on the East African ICT Sector: Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs. This event will be held at the World Bank Offices in Upper Hill Nairobi on 18 February from 10:00am to 12:00pm. We will be presenting the report and hosting a question and answer session with

...

...

...

...

project team and donor communities.

Background

The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has been

...

...

...

...

major driver of economic growth in East Africa over the last decade growing on average by as much as 40%. To date, growth has largely come from world-class innovation by large multinational and local enterprises. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a bigger role in the next phase of industry growth. However, they must overcome a multitude of system-wide challenges in order for them to succeed in the marketplace.

To understand the interventions required, a consortium comprised of members from infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, a US and Africa based advisory firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs.

The findings suggest that the vision of a robust and dynamic ICT sector driven by SMEs that create jobs and world-class innovation is

...

...

...

...

and the likelihood of this outcome can be improved with a few targeted interventions. The five proposed interventions consist of the development of a fully connected SME network, filling the skills gap in advanced business and technical knowledge, providing start up and early stage funding for companies, enabling job creation for knowledge workers and upgrading

...

...

...

...

business environment. Together these interventions form the components of a potential East African ICT Business Engine that could boost

On 2/8/11, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote: than presentation the the possible, the performance,

...

...

...

...

not only within the ICT sector, as well as continue to expand the economic development of the region.

We would like to sincerely thank the over 100 entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, academics and experts who participated in interviews, workshops and numerous discussions over the past 3 months. We appreciate their dedication to the advancement of the ICT sector in East Africa and their invaluable contributions to this report.

Full Report

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs

Executive Summary

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine for SMEs - Exec Summary

On 07/02/11 17:18, McTim wrote:

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 4:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks McTim for good insights I still think it is too early to conclude though. Consider the following :-

Strathmore - am not sure they have had time to graduate any incubatee as yet (any updates?) NaiLab has not taken off as yet. Their space (on the 4th floor of Bishop Magua house?) is still an empty hall. mLab (infoDev, iHub, UoN, Web Foundation, eMobilis) is still at infancy. Currently building out on the empty space on the 3rd flr of Bishop Magua House. ictpark.com (Any updates on some graduates will help) KIRDI - (Any updates on some graduates will help)

Perhaps you mean that the above and other incubation programs are founded on wrong premises.

no, I just mean that we seem to have several, so questioning the need for more at this point.

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This message was sent to: jkieti@gmail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at

http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jkieti%40gmail.com

...

-- My Blog - www.gmeltdown.com ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Keep on doing what you know is right ...

_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet

This message was sent to: dogwallah@gmail.com

...

Unsubscribe or change your options at

http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dogwallah%40gmail.com

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-- Sent from my mobile device

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-- Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> Publisher +254 720 960 322 www.ratio-magazine.com Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php>

not to mention - Yawe is the PMG elect ;-) walu. PMG=Postmaster General. --- On Wed, 2/9/11, Agosta Liko <agostal@gmail.com> wrote: From: Agosta Liko <agostal@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest To: jwalu@yahoo.com Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 11:18 AM Robert Haya ni maendeleo Kudos :) On Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 10:39 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Liko, I ran an ICT incubator for over 3 years and graduated a number of a organisations and of which developed the system run by Kenya Law Review.  The other was one of the 1st locally developed systems for the stock brokerage system. I currently mentor more than 5 micro and small businesses in various sectors, apart from that I have been providing financial literacy training for over 5 years www.quadrantshift.co.ke. So Bwana Liko, I am not all hot air as you might think which is why I have the moral right to raise the issues I raised. Back to you, what have you done to develop young developers or any other business entity? Regards PS.  I do not live in a glass house therefore I can afford to throw stones.  Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 From: Agosta Liko <agostal@gmail.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tue, 8 February, 2011 16:04:41 Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest Bwana Robert. I was at AITEC, had a powerpoint failure and had to speak last.... I don't know how my speaking or lack therof  affects incubation in Kenya. As I have always said to you on this forum, before you ask about what someone else can do, should do, can do differently ..... Do something Thanks On 2/8/11, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

We need to get serious about certain issues like wanting to keep things small and cute, WiPro runs a graduate academy that hosts over 18,000 people a year and only employ 1,200.  This is the level of engagement we need to aspire for

not tiny little over funded projects.

It is foolhardy to say that the iHub should be feed and blotted rather than expanded to serve and reach more.  It would be like Henry Ford deciding to make a single Ford Model T or Bill Gates developing DOS and using it alone in their garage.

If you have some time search on google about scaling and franchising as it might help you appreciate the benefit of getting out of your box and comfort zone and look at how you can have an effect on the larger population.

I have said it again this it the thinking of Maria Antoinette, I do not want to be beheaded for refusing to get out of the box.

The iHub is a prototype keeping it under wraps is a  disservice to the

Nation.

From Liko's comments I know understand why he offered to give a presentation at AITEC in Nairobi in 2010 and the he did not show leaving many of us disappointed, worst of all you did not have the courtesy to notify the organisers.   Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya

Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

________________________________ From: Agosta Liko <agostal@gmail.com>

To: robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke>

Sent: Mon, 7 February, 2011 22:55:10 Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

I think the ihub is way ahead on this one and it should be supported ... instead of copied ...

a y combinator like model would work very well. It would take care of issues like busfare, living expenses etc etc

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 10:50 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> wrote:

a related news item:

...

http://www.fastcompany.com/1724774/afrilabs-links-startup-incubators-tech-co...

...

-- Cheers,

McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there."  Jon Postel

...

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 8:18 PM, John

Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

...

...

Chris, That sounds like a useful forum for Listers interested in the economic future of ICT in the region. I like the thought of initiatives coherently

...

...

fitting together, as it should be more of collaboration than  competition (not that competition I bad for raising standards). Thanks

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 5:13 PM, Chris Foster <cgfoster@gmail.com> wrote:

...

...

...

Thanks for this, it's an interesting discussion. How do all these different incubators, labs, entrepreneurship schemes and open spaces that

...

...

...

are emerging in Kenya fit together coherently....

On this subject, I thought I'd point out the launch of the Infodev/DFID/Hivos report on the ICT SME Sector taking place in Nairobi next

...

...

...

week (18th Feb).

From my brief reading, this report is very much setting out the future agenda for these donors on small ICT business development, so it might

...

...

...

be of interest, and perhaps an appropriate platform to raise these issues for debate?

http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.673.html (outline is included below)

...

...

...

Thanks Chris

-- Christopher

Foster

...

PhD Researcher, Centre for Development Informatics (CDI) University of Manchester, UK Skype: cgfoster

=======

...

...

...

ICT in East Africa - Report Launch East Africa ICT SME Report Launch at World Bank, Nairobi ======= Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a

...

...

...

significant role in the next phase of ICT industry growth in East Africa. To assess the market and identify opportunities infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a

...

...

...

detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by the Excelsior Firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs. report Launch

Sign up to attend in person, or online, at eastafricaict.eventbrite.com

...

...

...

Please join us on February 18th for the launch of our report on the East African ICT Sector: Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a

...

...

...

Business Engine for SMEs. This event will be held at the World Bank Offices in Upper Hill Nairobi on 18 February from 10:00am to 12:00pm. We will be presenting the report and hosting a question and answer session with the

...

...

...

project team and donor communities.

Background

The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has been the major driver of economic growth in East Africa over the last decade growing on average by as much as 40%. To date, growth has largely come from world-class innovation by large multinational and local enterprises.

...

...

...

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a bigger role in the next phase of industry growth. However, they must overcome a multitude

...

...

...

of system-wide challenges in order for them to succeed in the marketplace.

To understand the interventions required, a consortium comprised of

...

...

...

members from infoDev, UKaid and Hivos conducted a detailed on-the-ground study of the ICT SME landscape in East Africa. This study performed by

the

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Excelsior Firm, a US and Africa based advisory firm, engaged over 100 policy makers, investors, academics, donors and entrepreneurs.

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The findings suggest that the vision of a robust and dynamic ICT sector driven by SMEs that create jobs and world-class innovation is possible, and the likelihood of this outcome can be improved with a few targeted

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interventions. The five proposed interventions consist of the development of a fully connected SME network, filling the skills gap in advanced business

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and technical knowledge, providing start up and early stage funding for companies, enabling job creation for knowledge workers and upgrading the business environment. Together these interventions form the components of a potential East African ICT Business Engine that could boost performance, not only within the ICT sector, as well as continue to expand the economic

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development of the region.

We would like to sincerely thank the over 100 entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, academics and experts who participated in interviews,

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workshops and numerous discussions over the past 3 months. We appreciate their dedication to the advancement of the ICT sector in East Africa and their invaluable contributions to this report.

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Full Report

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business

Engine

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for SMEs

Executive Summary

Transforming the East African ICT Sector by Creating a Business Engine

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for SMEs - Exec Summary

On 07/02/11 17:18, McTim wrote:

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On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 4:18 PM, John Kieti <jkieti@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks McTim for good insights I still think it is too early to conclude though. Consider the following

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Strathmore - am not sure they have had time to graduate any incubatee as

yet

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(any updates?) NaiLab has not taken off as yet. Their space (on the 4th floor of Bishop Magua house?) is still an empty hall. mLab (infoDev, iHub, UoN, Web Foundation, eMobilis) is still at infancy.

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Currently building out on the empty space on the 3rd flr of Bishop Magua House. ictpark.com (Any updates on some graduates will help)

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KIRDI - (Any updates on some graduates will help)

Perhaps you mean that the above and other incubation programs are founded on

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wrong premises.

no, I just mean that we seem to have several, so questioning the need for more at this point.

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Strathmore University has in place an ICT incubation program called Strathmore Innovation Technology Transfer Program(SITT).SITT is an initiative within the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) at Strathmore University focused on commercializing technologies from ICT laboratories in Kenyan universities and research institutions for high-tech economic development. The main goal of the program is to develop ICT innovations and to help with the commercialization of those innovations by introducing entrepreneurial skills to high-tech research efforts in line with the Vision 2030 of ensuring development and supporting entrepreneurship. Through this process the technologies and products will be transferred from the laboratory to the marketplace. The program is currently nurturing and mentoring innovators among them a Nairobi-based mobile startup Xrystalgenius which won the Base of the Pyramid award at the 2010 Mobile Monday Peer Awards that took place in Helsinki, Finland. SITT has so far realized the following : Preview : http://www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Technology/-/688612/1020076/-/a0tadgz/-/in.... http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Girls%20who%20created%20social%20network%20for%... www.strathmore.edu/fit<http://www.strathmore.edu/fit> Kind regards ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Pius W Walela, Research Programs Coordinator ,/Strathmore Innovations & Technology Transfer Centre, Strathmore University www.strathmore.edu Ole Sangale, 59857 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya ' + 254-020-600615 7 +254-020-6007498 * pwalela@strathmore.edu<mailto:pwalela@strathmore.edu> þ http://www.strathmore.edu/fit/sitt-program _________________________________________________________________________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+pwalela=strathmore.edu@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+pwalela=strathmore.edu@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of John Kieti Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 4:19 PM To: Pius Walela Cc: Kictanet Mail list Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest Thanks McTim for good insights I still think it is too early to conclude though. Consider the following :- 1. Strathmore - am not sure they have had time to graduate any incubatee as yet (any updates?) 2. NaiLab has not taken off as yet. Their space (on the 4th floor of Bishop Magua house?) is still an empty hall. 3. mLab (infoDev, iHub, UoN, Web Foundation, eMobilis) is still at infancy. Currently building out on the empty space on the 3rd flr of Bishop Magua House. 4. ictpark.com<http://ictpark.com/> (Any updates on some graduates will help) 5. KIRDI<http://www.kirdi.go.ke/Departments/TechnologyTransferExtensionServices/ICTIncubation.aspx> - (Any updates on some graduates will help) Perhaps you mean that the above and other incubation programs are founded on wrong premises. Otherwise am thinking we could do with a little more time before ruling out the option of increasing business incubation services for the ICT sector. Remember a while back we had Bwana PS chastise us on the need for youth to embrace entrepreneurship. Perhaps these incubation services are the required impetus to entrench the required entrepreneurship culture. Best Regards On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 3:43 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com<mailto:dogwallah@gmail.com>> wrote: On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 2:56 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk<mailto:robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk>> wrote:

McTim, You should have raised that issue over 4 months ago when the Kenya ICT Board invited interested parties to send a proposal for the development of ICT incubators.

I did point it out to the WB, rather too obliquely perhaps.

Just like with chicken egg incubators you cannot have too many, I think that is an empirical question.

every year

our institutions of higher learning pour out thousands of graduates who need somewhere to develop their skills. An incubator only hatches the chicks after that they are supposed to take in new eggs. If the chicks are allowed to stay in the incubator then it purpose and objective are defeated. As had been indicated the funding was to come from the World Bank or some other donor. What do you suggest that the KICT Board should do with those funds?

They would have to give it back if it came from a donor. If it didn't, it seems that some money needs to be spent to persuade ISPs to deploy IPv6, so maybe they could use it for dual stack CPE software. It would be quite a coup for kenyan coders to do this.

Can you please also furnish us with some of the ICT incubators in Kenya Off the top of my head there is: Strathmore NaiLab UoN/ihub/InfoDev/emobilis ictpark.com<http://ictpark.com> KIRDI

-- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jkieti@gmail.com<mailto:jkieti@gmail.com> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jkieti%40gmail.com -- My Blog - www.gmeltdown.com<http://www.gmeltdown.com> ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Keep on doing what you know is right ... ________________________________ Strathmore University provides all-round education in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for use by the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email and/or any files attached to it from your computer. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Strathmore University. The University accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use of this email and/or its attachments. The University warrants neither the integrity of the e-mail nor its freedom from errors, viruses, interception or any other form of interference. ............................................................................ Website: www.strathmore.edu

Hey McTim I would not for a moment consider the market crowded with incubators this early in the hour. In fact we need more business incubation services. The entrepreneurial/business capacity of most of our ICT firms is rather low yet their technical capacity is good or fairly easy to grow internally. The overall business potential seems to be growing by the day - as we approach Vision 2030 and hence we need to have more business incubators graduating many strong ICT solution providers. The other alternative would be to resign ourselves to being net consumers of ICT solutions from India and the west (perhaps unacceptable). What do you think? Regards On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 2:14 PM, McTim <dogwallah@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi,

We already have several ICT incubators. I'm not sure that there is enough biz to keep all the existent ones going let alone 2 new ones (InfoDev and ICT board).

-- Cheers,

McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

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I followed up on Paul as well on the same day, later in the evening, and not even an acknowledgement to that end. The least they can do is have an update on the KICTB site

From: kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Harry Karanja Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 12:57 PM To: Edwin Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

I had raised the same issue a week or so back to Paul Kukubo of the ICT board through this list. He promised to give feedback on the same.

Harry Karanja n Director n SoftLaw Limited n Genius Executive Centre n 15th Floor View Park Towers n Utalii Lane n Nairobi CBD n Tel: +254 20 342 225

From: kictanet-bounces+kairo=softlaw.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kairo=softlaw.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of robert yawe Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 11:58 AM To: kairo@softlaw.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] ICT incubator - Expressions of interest

Hi,

Anyone aware of whether this issue has progressed beyond the placing of

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 1:15 PM, Edwin Onchari <eonchari@lynxbits.com> wrote: the

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advert and if so who have been short-listed to move to the next level?

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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