Internet Should Be A Public Utility Service

Hi all, This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/ Happy to here your thoughts. The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa. Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc. We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table. Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen. Regards, Muthoni

Hi Muthoni, I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet<[email protected]> wrote: Hi all, This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/ Happy to here your thoughts. The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa. Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc. We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table. Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen. Regards, Muthoni_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com 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.

Hi John, Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too. Regards, Muthoni On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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.

Hi Muthoni, This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :) Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools. https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best! http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread" On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM *"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32*

Thanks Muraya, If CDF is being used to put up bodaboda sheds, I don't see why it cannot be used to put up Internet infrastructure at constituency level. We need to begin advocating for access right at the grassroots level coupled with basic digital skills. Local village polytechnics should have curriculum to support artisans and other graduates with digital skills. The spectrum is a public resource and there in lies the opportunity to change model to enable universally accessible and affordable Internet. This cannot be the bundles currently unavailable to the masses. Regards, Muthoni On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32*

Thanks Dorcas ET all, I'll also record the contributions on this thread. What are the immediate actions that need to be taken? How can the government and the rest of the tech community collaborate? On Sun, Apr 5, 2020, 10:47 Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Muraya,
If CDF is being used to put up bodaboda sheds, I don't see why it cannot be used to put up Internet infrastructure at constituency level.
We need to begin advocating for access right at the grassroots level coupled with basic digital skills.
Local village polytechnics should have curriculum to support artisans and other graduates with digital skills.
The spectrum is a public resource and there in lies the opportunity to change model to enable universally accessible and affordable Internet.
This cannot be the bundles currently unavailable to the masses.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32*
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lizorembo%40gmail.com
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.

On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 11:18 Liz Orembo via kictanet, < [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Dorcas ET all,
I'll also record the contributions on this thread. What are the immediate actions that need to be taken?
Availability of cheap stima, main grid or solar. How can the government
Revisit regulations around energy and how to make it more accessible to every mwanaichi. Solar solar solar to support existing sources. and the rest of the tech community collaborate?
Tech community can only continue its role of building the internet infrastructure and developing relevant content and as long as the energy that powers the infrastructure is affordable cost of data bundles and content will be cheap as well.
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020, 10:47 Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Muraya,
If CDF is being used to put up bodaboda sheds, I don't see why it cannot be used to put up Internet infrastructure at constituency level.
We need to begin advocating for access right at the grassroots level coupled with basic digital skills.
Local village polytechnics should have curriculum to support artisans and other graduates with digital skills.
The spectrum is a public resource and there in lies the opportunity to change model to enable universally accessible and affordable Internet.
This cannot be the bundles currently unavailable to the masses.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32*
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lizorembo%40gmail.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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.

Indeed Liz. Good that you will conflate the two threads as they speak to the same issues. I couldn't agree more to the views expressed by majority of listers on the need to make Internet a basic right. Cory (as Noah has referred to covid) has necessitated remote working and use of internet to deliver services, and is now becoming the 'new normal'. See how some everyday tasks are panning out during this covid19: Education: we have seen several institutions/companies offering their online content to students and pupils for free. Health: Health providers have sent out text messages that people can now access a doctor from the comfort of their homes. One only needs to download an app and sign up with their health insurance membership. Access to food, water and basic commodities: Most of us have received messages from Nairobi Water urging us to utilize their pay bill number in line with observing social distancing. Supermarkets have texted us to utilize their online services to avoid crowding, and even farmers choice now has a 'kwa estate' delivery service. Churches have gone online with sermons including today's Palm Sunday Mass from Holy Family Basilica streamed live. These are all basics for citizens. But how many are able to access these online services? I have in mind the children in our rural schools where there is no internet, or where people have to prioritize between food and bundles. Further, there are many who do not even have the tools to access these services mostly smart phones. Let us not forget that these tools (phones, comps, tablets) are also being taxed heavily presenting another challenge. Of importance though is that the Senate has this golden opportunity to put in place a policy or policies that prioritize the Internet as a tool for offering basic services. For example, we need a policy that will allow for schools/students and hospitals access a fast, stable and secure internet. There needs to be a policy that compels service providers to support such services as part of public service/good. And here, the idea suggested of having some 'internet days' would work so long as speeds are not throttled. There is also the Universal Service Fund which should be used to address to these connectivity gaps or else it may find itself being moved to support non ICT stuff. #Stayhome stay safe. Rgds GG "Usiwai jidharau...ona sasa haka ka emoji (😷) kamepata kazi hivyo tu kimchezo!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grace Githaiga Twitter: @ggithaiga Skype: gracegithaiga Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga ...the most important office in a democracy is the citizen. So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you!----Barrack Obama. ________________________________ From: kictanet <[email protected]> on behalf of Liz Orembo via kictanet <[email protected]> Sent: 05 April 2020 11:17 AM To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: Liz Orembo <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Internet Should Be A Public Utility Service Thanks Dorcas ET all, I'll also record the contributions on this thread. What are the immediate actions that need to be taken? How can the government and the rest of the tech community collaborate? On Sun, Apr 5, 2020, 10:47 Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Thanks Muraya, If CDF is being used to put up bodaboda sheds, I don't see why it cannot be used to put up Internet infrastructure at constituency level. We need to begin advocating for access right at the grassroots level coupled with basic digital skills. Local village polytechnics should have curriculum to support artisans and other graduates with digital skills. The spectrum is a public resource and there in lies the opportunity to change model to enable universally accessible and affordable Internet. This cannot be the bundles currently unavailable to the masses. Regards, Muthoni On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya, <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Hi Muthoni, This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one long paragraph :) Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools. https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best! http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread" On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Hi John, Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too. Regards, Muthoni On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Hi Muthoni, I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android<https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature> On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Hi all, This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/ Happy to here your thoughts. The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa. Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc. We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table. Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen. Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com 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 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail.... 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. -- SMM "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32 _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lizorembo%40gmail.com 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.

This is very encouraging that after so many years of advocating Internet as a basic right, KICTANET has articulated all the issues CLEARLY, DECISIVELY and SIMPLY! What COVID-19 crisis is telling the world is THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX cos am here to stay. We’re all praying this TB like pandemic doesn’t last as long as the Spanish Flu 1918-20 that killed over 50 million. With CS Mutahi Kagwe in the Health Docket I personally feel SAFER cos he was my Minister in the early 2000s when we were liberalizing our Telecom sector and writing the Cyber Laws. He is very DECISIVE, ARTICULATE and BIG PICTURE and yes, I think he is recognizes the role of technology in combating this pandemic. I am Kenyan-American so please forgive me all, since life must continue despite COVID-19, hope we can now push for BPOs and Call Centers work for the youth since we are all working at home anyway. It’s a HUGE BLESSING to be in my country of Birth KENYA KIPENZI CHETU during this global crisis! No place like Kenya, this too we will overcome because we are INNOVATIVE but above all we believe in God and obeying the leaders. Baraka to all! Mary On Sunday, April 5, 2020, Grace Githaiga via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Indeed Liz. Good that you will conflate the two threads as they speak to the same issues.
I couldn't agree more to the views expressed by majority of listers on the need to make Internet a basic right. Cory (as Noah has referred to covid) has necessitated remote working and use of internet to deliver services, and is now becoming the 'new normal'.
See how some everyday tasks are panning out during this covid19:
Education: we have seen several institutions/companies offering their online content to students and pupils for free.
Health: Health providers have sent out text messages that people can now access a doctor from the comfort of their homes. One only needs to download an app and sign up with their health insurance membership.
Access to food, water and basic commodities: Most of us have received messages from Nairobi Water urging us to utilize their pay bill number in line with observing social distancing. Supermarkets have texted us to utilize their online services to avoid crowding, and even farmers choice now has a 'kwa estate' delivery service.
Churches have gone online with sermons including today's Palm Sunday Mass from Holy Family Basilica streamed live.
These are all basics for citizens. But how many are able to access these online services? I have in mind the children in our rural schools where there is no internet, or where people have to prioritize between food and bundles. Further, there are many who do not even have the tools to access these services mostly smart phones. Let us not forget that these tools (phones, comps, tablets) are also being taxed heavily presenting another challenge.
Of importance though is that the Senate has this golden opportunity to put in place a policy or policies that prioritize the Internet as a tool for offering basic services. For example, we need a policy that will allow for schools/students and hospitals access a fast, stable and secure internet. There needs to be a policy that compels service providers to support such services as part of public service/good. And here, the idea suggested of having some 'internet days' would work so long as speeds are not throttled.
There is also the Universal Service Fund which should be used to address to these connectivity gaps or else it may find itself being moved to support non ICT stuff.
#Stayhome stay safe.
Rgds GG
*"Usiwai jidharau...ona sasa haka ka emoji (😷) kamepata kazi hivyo tu kimchezo!"*
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------
*Grace Githaiga*
Twitter: @ggithaiga
Skype: gracegithaiga
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga
.*..**the most important office in a democracy is the citizen. So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you!----Barrack Obama.*
------------------------------ *From:* kictanet <kictanet-bounces+ggithaiga=ho [email protected]> on behalf of Liz Orembo via kictanet < [email protected]> *Sent:* 05 April 2020 11:17 AM *To:* [email protected] <[email protected]> *Cc:* Liz Orembo <[email protected]> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] Internet Should Be A Public Utility Service
Thanks Dorcas ET all,
I'll also record the contributions on this thread. What are the immediate actions that need to be taken? How can the government and the rest of the tech community collaborate?
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020, 10:47 Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Muraya,
If CDF is being used to put up bodaboda sheds, I don't see why it cannot be used to put up Internet infrastructure at constituency level.
We need to begin advocating for access right at the grassroots level coupled with basic digital skills.
Local village polytechnics should have curriculum to support artisans and other graduates with digital skills.
The spectrum is a public resource and there in lies the opportunity to change model to enable universally accessible and affordable Internet.
This cannot be the bundles currently unavailable to the masses.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix. org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail.com
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32*
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ mailman/options/kictanet/lizorembo%40gmail.com
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.
-- ****************************Dr. Mary Ngunyi* *Afrika ICT Strategies Inc.* *Technology Consultant* *US:1-301-642-5345;KE:+254-733-503-110;770722018;722802420* *[email protected] <[email protected]> * This message contains privileged information protected under INTERNATIONAL privacy and security laws. If you receive this message by error do not circulate it, it is an infringement on Afrika ICT Strategies Inc., and the writer's personal privacy and data protection rights. Destroy and do not CIRCULATE. If this message reaches you by error, please destroy and do not FORWARD

Dear Listers, As someone in the film industry, I am captivated by the idea of reviving drivein movie theatres. Films may seem trivial at this time but there is no denying the power of art therapy. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamos/2020/03/30/texas-cinemas-drive-in-is-a-bl... Regards, Mildred Achoch. On Sunday, April 5, 2020, Grace Githaiga via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Indeed Liz. Good that you will conflate the two threads as they speak to the same issues.
I couldn't agree more to the views expressed by majority of listers on the need to make Internet a basic right. Cory (as Noah has referred to covid) has necessitated remote working and use of internet to deliver services, and is now becoming the 'new normal'.
See how some everyday tasks are panning out during this covid19:
Education: we have seen several institutions/companies offering their online content to students and pupils for free.
Health: Health providers have sent out text messages that people can now access a doctor from the comfort of their homes. One only needs to download an app and sign up with their health insurance membership.
Access to food, water and basic commodities: Most of us have received messages from Nairobi Water urging us to utilize their pay bill number in line with observing social distancing. Supermarkets have texted us to utilize their online services to avoid crowding, and even farmers choice now has a 'kwa estate' delivery service.
Churches have gone online with sermons including today's Palm Sunday Mass from Holy Family Basilica streamed live.
These are all basics for citizens. But how many are able to access these online services? I have in mind the children in our rural schools where there is no internet, or where people have to prioritize between food and bundles. Further, there are many who do not even have the tools to access these services mostly smart phones. Let us not forget that these tools (phones, comps, tablets) are also being taxed heavily presenting another challenge.
Of importance though is that the Senate has this golden opportunity to put in place a policy or policies that prioritize the Internet as a tool for offering basic services. For example, we need a policy that will allow for schools/students and hospitals access a fast, stable and secure internet. There needs to be a policy that compels service providers to support such services as part of public service/good. And here, the idea suggested of having some 'internet days' would work so long as speeds are not throttled.
There is also the Universal Service Fund which should be used to address to these connectivity gaps or else it may find itself being moved to support non ICT stuff.
#Stayhome stay safe.
Rgds GG
*"Usiwai jidharau...ona sasa haka ka emoji (😷) kamepata kazi hivyo tu kimchezo!"*
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------
*Grace Githaiga*
Twitter: @ggithaiga
Skype: gracegithaiga
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga
.*..**the most important office in a democracy is the citizen. So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you!----Barrack Obama.*
------------------------------ *From:* kictanet <kictanet-bounces+ggithaiga=ho [email protected]> on behalf of Liz Orembo via kictanet < [email protected]> *Sent:* 05 April 2020 11:17 AM *To:* [email protected] <[email protected]> *Cc:* Liz Orembo <[email protected]> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] Internet Should Be A Public Utility Service
Thanks Dorcas ET all,
I'll also record the contributions on this thread. What are the immediate actions that need to be taken? How can the government and the rest of the tech community collaborate?
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020, 10:47 Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Muraya,
If CDF is being used to put up bodaboda sheds, I don't see why it cannot be used to put up Internet infrastructure at constituency level.
We need to begin advocating for access right at the grassroots level coupled with basic digital skills.
Local village polytechnics should have curriculum to support artisans and other graduates with digital skills.
The spectrum is a public resource and there in lies the opportunity to change model to enable universally accessible and affordable Internet.
This cannot be the bundles currently unavailable to the masses.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix. org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail.com
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32*
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ mailman/options/kictanet/lizorembo%40gmail.com
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.
-- Check out the Rock 'n' roll film festival, Kenya TV Channel! http://kenyarockfilmfestivaljournal.blogspot.com

Muthoni, MP's may be more civil but now MCA's should stop fighting governors (authorities) who check/limit travel (per diems) & audit bursaries. With the electoral (constituency) system likely to change in 2023, only MCA's (1450 wards) are guaranteed more funds. What if per diems saved (not utilized) over these 3 months could be invested on Internet infrastructure at the ward level? Digging trenches (laying fibre) will even create local jobs + on going community policing (public participation) to monitor the infrastructure. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-50432073 On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 10:46 AM Dorcas Muthoni <[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Muraya,
If CDF is being used to put up bodaboda sheds, I don't see why it cannot be used to put up Internet infrastructure at constituency level.
We need to begin advocating for access right at the grassroots level coupled with basic digital skills.
Local village polytechnics should have curriculum to support artisans and other graduates with digital skills.
The spectrum is a public resource and there in lies the opportunity to change model to enable universally accessible and affordable Internet.
This cannot be the bundles currently unavailable to the masses.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32*
-- SMM *"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32*

Is stima aka electricity universally accessible and affordable to even the poor and most vulnerable? Like i said earlier, ICT infrastructure needs a lot of stima and for internet to be universally accessible and affordable the electricity needed to power up the silicon chips must also be universally accessible and affordable across each county and kitongoji. If folks and their kids in kitongoji are still using candles and other rudimentary sources of power because they cant afford it or due to lack of it while folks in cities can easily access stima then the universality of internet becomes impossible if not discriminatory. Noah On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya via kictanet, < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32* _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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.

Mobile devices are battery powered. Internet infrastructure exists. The problem is tariff structure and perhaps licencing. New licence categories are desired. Bottled water Vs clean tap after. We need a vendor for everyone. Let's increase the abundance thinking space my brother. This is possible. On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 13:25 Noah via kictanet, <[email protected]> wrote:
Is stima aka electricity universally accessible and affordable to even the poor and most vulnerable?
Like i said earlier, ICT infrastructure needs a lot of stima and for internet to be universally accessible and affordable the electricity needed to power up the silicon chips must also be universally accessible and affordable across each county and kitongoji.
If folks and their kids in kitongoji are still using candles and other rudimentary sources of power because they cant afford it or due to lack of it while folks in cities can easily access stima then the universality of internet becomes impossible if not discriminatory.
Noah
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya via kictanet, < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32* _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmuthoni%40gmail.com
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.

On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 13:33 Dorcas Muthoni, <[email protected]> wrote:
Mobile devices are battery powered. Internet infrastructure exists. The problem is tariff structure and perhaps licencing. New licence categories are desired.
The battery of the mobile device must be charged every day from the main grid. The main grid is supplied by fossil fuels, natural gases and hydro most commonly. Are we seriously considering other sources like solar with abundance of sun and what are the regulations around that. Nuclear is also an option but that is a stretch for our poor economies. Bottom line affordability of energy has direct impact on what you are advocating.
Bottled water Vs clean tap after. We need a vendor for everyone.
Let's increase the abundance thinking space my brother. This is possible.
No doubt but you need affordability at layer 0 of the OSI model before layer 1, 2 and 3 can be universally accessible and affordable. I submit Noah
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 13:25 Noah via kictanet, < [email protected]> wrote:
Is stima aka electricity universally accessible and affordable to even the poor and most vulnerable?
Like i said earlier, ICT infrastructure needs a lot of stima and for internet to be universally accessible and affordable the electricity needed to power up the silicon chips must also be universally accessible and affordable across each county and kitongoji.
If folks and their kids in kitongoji are still using candles and other rudimentary sources of power because they cant afford it or due to lack of it while folks in cities can easily access stima then the universality of internet becomes impossible if not discriminatory.
Noah
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya via kictanet, < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32* _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmuthoni%40gmail.com
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.

Such a timely conversation. Pains to watch the country come to a standstill when a good number of functions can continue online if only we had prioritized the right things eg infrastructure before free laptops. The Law Society of Kenya filed a case back in 2018 to have access to the internet declared a basic right https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nation.co.ke/news/LSK-makes-case-against-in.... This would have several effects. Most important- place a positive burden on the government to ensure universal access. All the problems listed by Noah can be solved at a policy level if the categorization of Internet infrastructure and accessories changes (currently classified as a luxury). A huge problem is about to arise in the judicial sector. Courts are closed to physical traffic, hearings and judgements currently being carried out online. What we’re saying is you can access education, justice, government functions only if you have access to the internet. This has to change. On Sun, 5 Apr 2020 at 13:47, Noah via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 13:33 Dorcas Muthoni, <[email protected]> wrote:
Mobile devices are battery powered. Internet infrastructure exists. The problem is tariff structure and perhaps licencing. New licence categories are desired.
The battery of the mobile device must be charged every day from the main grid.
The main grid is supplied by fossil fuels, natural gases and hydro most commonly.
Are we seriously considering other sources like solar with abundance of sun and what are the regulations around that.
Nuclear is also an option but that is a stretch for our poor economies.
Bottom line affordability of energy has direct impact on what you are advocating.
Bottled water Vs clean tap after. We need a vendor for everyone.
Let's increase the abundance thinking space my brother. This is possible.
No doubt but you need affordability at layer 0 of the OSI model before layer 1, 2 and 3 can be universally accessible and affordable.
I submit
Noah
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 13:25 Noah via kictanet, < [email protected]> wrote:
Is stima aka electricity universally accessible and affordable to even the poor and most vulnerable?
Like i said earlier, ICT infrastructure needs a lot of stima and for internet to be universally accessible and affordable the electricity needed to power up the silicon chips must also be universally accessible and affordable across each county and kitongoji.
If folks and their kids in kitongoji are still using candles and other rudimentary sources of power because they cant afford it or due to lack of it while folks in cities can easily access stima then the universality of internet becomes impossible if not discriminatory.
Noah
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya via kictanet, < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32* _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmuthoni%40gmail.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kaninimutemi%40gmail.c...
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.
-- *Mercy Mutemi, Advocate*.

Hi. As we discuss the matter of public utility we shall need it does not necessarily mean Universal Service. It could start with more policy, regulatory and legal intervention and even classified as critical infrastructure. FYI, in Kenya until late 70's telecommunications was considered a luxury and the debate of food versus telecommunications was quite common in the Minitstry of Finance. In the 1990's use of Internet in Government was banned. Even in early 2000 PC's were not considered a priority. Regarding power, Kenya is lucky at the moment because we have surplus generating capacity. We are quite fortunate that we have demand . The GOK has so many services on line. It means that Wanjiku has a good reason to be computer literate in order to access services. Private sector is following closely. In the past demand forecast was hell if one was to avoid over investment and under utilization. The journey needs to start. John Kariuki Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 14:15, kanini mutemi via kictanet<[email protected]> wrote: _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com 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.

Hi Quite a timely and very difficult conversation indeed. To date, I still think that ICT is treated as luxury as there are many arguments that the low income communities first need basic needs (water, food and adequate shelter) met before we can think of the internet, yet we are talking of e-learning, e-commerce, e-government etc. This is indicative of the continuing growing inequality gap and has a lot to do with government and also to a large extend, private sector, priority. Several years ago when ICT4D and M4D were becoming a thing, an attempt to bridge the digital divide through a project that aimed at enabling community-based human rights networks harness the power of the internet to do engage better through an ICT4D initiative. Most of the networks were rural and totally out of the grid, apart from having no computer literacy. Once the literacy issue was overcome, still access was the greatest barrier as powering computers and laptops need adequate supply of electricity. Well, an idea to use generators attempted, but access was still out of reach as the signals from mobile modems, regardless of the ISP was too weak. Actually, to date, when I go to the village, mobile internet is still very problematic. Not to mention how expensive it is to use bundles as opposed to using wifi. Again, the cost of bundles is still out of reach for the low income households. In short, infrastructure as the backbone is absolutely necessary. What is the point of Safaricom, Zuku, Airtel, Telcom and Jamii Telcom, to name the big players, to continue fighting over the pie in Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Karen, Runda etc urging us to migrate, when there are myriads of households elsewhere near and far inadequately served? We need better policies to ensure access, and not one service provider or another running to Communications Community to get advantage over others. These are long term issues and both government and the private sector should prioritize these. The internet is no longer luxury, has never been. And as such should be a public good, easily accessible and affordable. In the meantime, what can be done even as Coronavirus threatens to grind life as we know it to halt? Regards Beryl On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 7:25 PM John Kariuki via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi. As we discuss the matter of public utility we shall need it does not necessarily mean Universal Service. It could start with more policy, regulatory and legal intervention and even classified as critical infrastructure. FYI, in Kenya until late 70's telecommunications was considered a luxury and the debate of food versus telecommunications was quite common in the Minitstry of Finance. In the 1990's use of Internet in Government was banned. Even in early 2000 PC's were not considered a priority. Regarding power, Kenya is lucky at the moment because we have surplus generating capacity. We are quite fortunate that we have demand . The GOK has so many services on line. It means that Wanjiku has a good reason to be computer literate in order to access services. Private sector is following closely. In the past demand forecast was hell if one was to avoid over investment and under utilization.
The journey needs to start.
John Kariuki Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 14:15, kanini mutemi via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bee.aidi%40gmail.com
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.
-- Beryl *********************************************** Darkness cannot put out the Light. It can only make God brighter. —Author Unknown.

Timely conversation @Dorcas Muthoni <[email protected]> , Beryl and Colleagues, We have come a long way as a country but could still do better with respect to access to digital infrastructure. A lot of effort has been made to connect our Villages to the National Electricity grid. This was largely inspired by the Digital Literacy Programme that was being championed by the government through the Ministry of ICT. We also have the National Optic Fibre project (NOFBI) which i understand has been extended to sub county level under the stewardship of ICTA, however it is not being utilized optimally. There is also the question of availability and affordability of smart devices and taxation of digital products and services yet according to the latest census report, only 3.7 percent of the countries Citizens engage in Electronic Commerce which may imply that we are not yet Africa's Silicon Savannah as we have been thinking. In a previous conversation on this list last week on whether the Internet in Kenya is resilient enough to withstand this crisis and similar sentiments arose in that conversation. While i agree with Dorcas that the Internet Should be a Public Utility Service, i would also like to propose that we must ensure the Public Core of the Internet is protected, (the Domain Name System and our Internet Exchange points ) to name but a few so that the Internet does not become a new front for Human Rights abuse, insecurity and expansion of inequalities between the haves and the have nots. Secondly as i proposed to Senator Abshiro in the previous conversation , the Senate and Parliament needs to be on the frontline in enacting bills similar to the High Perfomance Computing Act (also known as the Gore bill which as passed in 1991 which availed federal funding for high speed Networks). Having listened to our members of parliament, i have heard fears such as ICT's don't translate into votes, Fibre does not bring water to name but a few. It is this kind of thinking we will need to change if we are to win this final push. We need champions in parliament who will make this conversation a reality. Finally i think @Liz Orembo <[email protected]> should amalgate all the infrastructure related conversations in the last three weeks as our submission to the National Assembly. Best Regards On Mon, Apr 6, 2020 at 8:18 AM Beryl Aidi via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Quite a timely and very difficult conversation indeed. To date, I still think that ICT is treated as luxury as there are many arguments that the low income communities first need basic needs (water, food and adequate shelter) met before we can think of the internet, yet we are talking of e-learning, e-commerce, e-government etc. This is indicative of the continuing growing inequality gap and has a lot to do with government and also to a large extend, private sector, priority. Several years ago when ICT4D and M4D were becoming a thing, an attempt to bridge the digital divide through a project that aimed at enabling community-based human rights networks harness the power of the internet to do engage better through an ICT4D initiative. Most of the networks were rural and totally out of the grid, apart from having no computer literacy. Once the literacy issue was overcome, still access was the greatest barrier as powering computers and laptops need adequate supply of electricity. Well, an idea to use generators attempted, but access was still out of reach as the signals from mobile modems, regardless of the ISP was too weak. Actually, to date, when I go to the village, mobile internet is still very problematic. Not to mention how expensive it is to use bundles as opposed to using wifi. Again, the cost of bundles is still out of reach for the low income households. In short, infrastructure as the backbone is absolutely necessary. What is the point of Safaricom, Zuku, Airtel, Telcom and Jamii Telcom, to name the big players, to continue fighting over the pie in Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Karen, Runda etc urging us to migrate, when there are myriads of households elsewhere near and far inadequately served? We need better policies to ensure access, and not one service provider or another running to Communications Community to get advantage over others. These are long term issues and both government and the private sector should prioritize these. The internet is no longer luxury, has never been. And as such should be a public good, easily accessible and affordable. In the meantime, what can be done even as Coronavirus threatens to grind life as we know it to halt?
Regards Beryl
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 7:25 PM John Kariuki via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi. As we discuss the matter of public utility we shall need it does not necessarily mean Universal Service. It could start with more policy, regulatory and legal intervention and even classified as critical infrastructure. FYI, in Kenya until late 70's telecommunications was considered a luxury and the debate of food versus telecommunications was quite common in the Minitstry of Finance. In the 1990's use of Internet in Government was banned. Even in early 2000 PC's were not considered a priority. Regarding power, Kenya is lucky at the moment because we have surplus generating capacity. We are quite fortunate that we have demand . The GOK has so many services on line. It means that Wanjiku has a good reason to be computer literate in order to access services. Private sector is following closely. In the past demand forecast was hell if one was to avoid over investment and under utilization.
The journey needs to start.
John Kariuki Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 14:15, kanini mutemi via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bee.aidi%40gmail.com
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.
-- Beryl *********************************************** Darkness cannot put out the Light. It can only make God brighter. —Author Unknown.
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail...
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.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

In my view, you are all right. Broadband in Kenya, by and large, is a public utility. The much of the undersea cables and NOFBI are indeed public assets and are well maintained. These investments were meant to be just like the road network where we as the private sector can bring our competitive spirit and innovations. It is the competition that brings down pricing and facilitates good service. The regulator was created to ensure we have good services at a fair price. On the last mile, some policy interventions like infrastructure sharing and other incentives are already in place. What makes the difference is what the private users do on the infrastructure. We are not doing well in that space especially on local content development. Imagine if we had a hackathon on learning modules for standard 8 and form 4 such that in this difficult time, we can have the best teacher (best content and presentation) is used to get these students through their syllabi and be ready for the exams in November. Instead of kids watching cartoons, we could utilize this time for experimentation of online learning. Instead, we are all complaining when the entire country today has internet (Yes the whole country since Alphabet are providing services directly from the balloons). Ndemo. On Mon, Apr 6, 2020 at 1:58 PM Barrack Otieno via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Timely conversation @Dorcas Muthoni <[email protected]> , Beryl and Colleagues,
We have come a long way as a country but could still do better with respect to access to digital infrastructure. A lot of effort has been made to connect our Villages to the National Electricity grid. This was largely inspired by the Digital Literacy Programme that was being championed by the government through the Ministry of ICT. We also have the National Optic Fibre project (NOFBI) which i understand has been extended to sub county level under the stewardship of ICTA, however it is not being utilized optimally. There is also the question of availability and affordability of smart devices and taxation of digital products and services yet according to the latest census report, only 3.7 percent of the countries Citizens engage in Electronic Commerce which may imply that we are not yet Africa's Silicon Savannah as we have been thinking. In a previous conversation on this list last week on whether the Internet in Kenya is resilient enough to withstand this crisis and similar sentiments arose in that conversation. While i agree with Dorcas that the Internet Should be a Public Utility Service, i would also like to propose that we must ensure the Public Core of the Internet is protected, (the Domain Name System and our Internet Exchange points ) to name but a few so that the Internet does not become a new front for Human Rights abuse, insecurity and expansion of inequalities between the haves and the have nots. Secondly as i proposed to Senator Abshiro in the previous conversation , the Senate and Parliament needs to be on the frontline in enacting bills similar to the High Perfomance Computing Act (also known as the Gore bill which as passed in 1991 which availed federal funding for high speed Networks). Having listened to our members of parliament, i have heard fears such as ICT's don't translate into votes, Fibre does not bring water to name but a few. It is this kind of thinking we will need to change if we are to win this final push. We need champions in parliament who will make this conversation a reality. Finally i think @Liz Orembo <[email protected]> should amalgate all the infrastructure related conversations in the last three weeks as our submission to the National Assembly.
Best Regards
On Mon, Apr 6, 2020 at 8:18 AM Beryl Aidi via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Quite a timely and very difficult conversation indeed. To date, I still think that ICT is treated as luxury as there are many arguments that the low income communities first need basic needs (water, food and adequate shelter) met before we can think of the internet, yet we are talking of e-learning, e-commerce, e-government etc. This is indicative of the continuing growing inequality gap and has a lot to do with government and also to a large extend, private sector, priority. Several years ago when ICT4D and M4D were becoming a thing, an attempt to bridge the digital divide through a project that aimed at enabling community-based human rights networks harness the power of the internet to do engage better through an ICT4D initiative. Most of the networks were rural and totally out of the grid, apart from having no computer literacy. Once the literacy issue was overcome, still access was the greatest barrier as powering computers and laptops need adequate supply of electricity. Well, an idea to use generators attempted, but access was still out of reach as the signals from mobile modems, regardless of the ISP was too weak. Actually, to date, when I go to the village, mobile internet is still very problematic. Not to mention how expensive it is to use bundles as opposed to using wifi. Again, the cost of bundles is still out of reach for the low income households. In short, infrastructure as the backbone is absolutely necessary. What is the point of Safaricom, Zuku, Airtel, Telcom and Jamii Telcom, to name the big players, to continue fighting over the pie in Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Karen, Runda etc urging us to migrate, when there are myriads of households elsewhere near and far inadequately served? We need better policies to ensure access, and not one service provider or another running to Communications Community to get advantage over others. These are long term issues and both government and the private sector should prioritize these. The internet is no longer luxury, has never been. And as such should be a public good, easily accessible and affordable. In the meantime, what can be done even as Coronavirus threatens to grind life as we know it to halt?
Regards Beryl
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 7:25 PM John Kariuki via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi. As we discuss the matter of public utility we shall need it does not necessarily mean Universal Service. It could start with more policy, regulatory and legal intervention and even classified as critical infrastructure. FYI, in Kenya until late 70's telecommunications was considered a luxury and the debate of food versus telecommunications was quite common in the Minitstry of Finance. In the 1990's use of Internet in Government was banned. Even in early 2000 PC's were not considered a priority. Regarding power, Kenya is lucky at the moment because we have surplus generating capacity. We are quite fortunate that we have demand . The GOK has so many services on line. It means that Wanjiku has a good reason to be computer literate in order to access services. Private sector is following closely. In the past demand forecast was hell if one was to avoid over investment and under utilization.
The journey needs to start.
John Kariuki Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 14:15, kanini mutemi via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bee.aidi%40gmail.com
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.
-- Beryl *********************************************** Darkness cannot put out the Light. It can only make God brighter. —Author Unknown.
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail...
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.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bndemo%40bitangendemo....
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.

Hello Noah , The govt has done well and continues to connect villages with the stima last mile project , the project has seen thousands of schools, remote towns and villages connected to the grid ,adding internet to the list of public utilities helps to drive need to have everyone connected to the grid and in the end making both universally accessible . Regards Jeremiah Ngure Telenet Solutions Ltd +254721840146 On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 1:26 PM Noah via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Is stima aka electricity universally accessible and affordable to even the poor and most vulnerable?
Like i said earlier, ICT infrastructure needs a lot of stima and for internet to be universally accessible and affordable the electricity needed to power up the silicon chips must also be universally accessible and affordable across each county and kitongoji.
If folks and their kids in kitongoji are still using candles and other rudimentary sources of power because they cant afford it or due to lack of it while folks in cities can easily access stima then the universality of internet becomes impossible if not discriminatory.
Noah
On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 10:13 S.M. Muraya via kictanet, < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
This also addresses the Senate query posted by Liz Orembo concerning how our industry can help with emergencies such as the pathogenic one we are in right now. Will try to summarize some thoughts in one *long* paragraph :)
Energy (to power the internet) is connected to water infrastructure (cooling data centres). Data centres (even in a single container) require physical planning (national & county level approvals always require kickbacks). County offices have been burning (arson - evidence destruction/ data protection). Schools are under counties, therefore ward level internet infrastructure (providers) also needs protection. Community policing (public participation) is required. Technology to enable public participation (including online learning) is not being prioritized until now. Local radio stations may be the most important but are not enough. Infrastructure to download recorded (digital) data should be available in all public schools.
https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/Arson-Homeland-Security.html
Now think of all the on going criminal cases in Kenya relating to the above, sure to be delayed/destroyed in our courts. In this decade, will we "succeed" like in the past 5 decades in fighting AGAINST (transparency, education) in Kenya? Remember these 2012 threads? Bitange Ndemo at his best!
http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2012-January/015115.html - enjoy - over 10 pages - clicking next "thread"
On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:17 AM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning the other pioneers I may have missed. Big thanks to them too.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 20:05 John Kariuki, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni,
I agree with you on the need to consider Internet as a Public Utility. It is not difficult to implement it. It is not expensive either. Bundles will never fully meet users needs for internet service. Remember the cost curve of ICTs. Regarding the beginning of internet in Kenya in the early nineties, there was some work done by USAID (Leyland Initiative) lead by John Mark though not often acknowledged. Even more work was done by African Online. It is worth checking on it. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 16:53, Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote: Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kariuki_jn%40yahoo.com
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail....
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.
-- SMM
*"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Prov 16:32* _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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 [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jngure%40gmail.com
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.

Hi Muthoni A very nice piece but the devil is in the details and believe me, the infrastructure that enables access to the Internet, costs money, a lot of money, no kidding. That is why even in developed nations, the internet is not universal but at least it's affordable due to massive private sector investment that went into building the transport networks in those countries hence the dense development of the Internet in most advanced economies. The good news is that there is continued development of this infrastructure one day at a time across the continent. There is also a new movement around community networks to aid inclusiveness in places where there is no connectivity and this is not only in Africa but across the world. For Africa, there is also an issue of geography. There are regulatory issues. There are economic issues in terms of what is a national priority though most counties have started to take the Internet and ICT seriously. No kidding, right now, access to food/water and healthcare is proving to be more of a priority than the Internet in most countries. In your piece you talk of education and health. In terms of education and it being online, I tend to think that such content can be online or offline but it has to exist first and with internet exchange points and CDN's, a nation could leverage on such infrastructure to deliver such critical content to its people in the country at a much lower cost. In terms of health, the same approach could come in handy and this is where Internet exchange points become very important. Just my opinion as I sip a warm glass of muharubani (african herbs) concoction. Noah *./noah* neo - network engineering and operations On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 4:39 PM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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.

Hi Noah, In my opinion, making the Internet universally accessible and affordable increases the market size, more opportunities for engineers in your career. New models need to be defined. We cannot keep using unmet public needs (food, water) as a scapegoat for not recognizing the Internet for what it will be in the future. Future livelihoods will predominantly depend on the value of the Internet. Regards, Muthoni On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 23:11 Noah, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni
A very nice piece but the devil is in the details and believe me, the infrastructure that enables access to the Internet, costs money, a lot of money, no kidding. That is why even in developed nations, the internet is not universal but at least it's affordable due to massive private sector investment that went into building the transport networks in those countries hence the dense development of the Internet in most advanced economies.
The good news is that there is continued development of this infrastructure one day at a time across the continent. There is also a new movement around community networks to aid inclusiveness in places where there is no connectivity and this is not only in Africa but across the world.
For Africa, there is also an issue of geography. There are regulatory issues. There are economic issues in terms of what is a national priority though most counties have started to take the Internet and ICT seriously. No kidding, right now, access to food/water and healthcare is proving to be more of a priority than the Internet in most countries.
In your piece you talk of education and health. In terms of education and it being online, I tend to think that such content can be online or offline but it has to exist first and with internet exchange points and CDN's, a nation could leverage on such infrastructure to deliver such critical content to its people in the country at a much lower cost. In terms of health, the same approach could come in handy and this is where Internet exchange points become very important.
Just my opinion as I sip a warm glass of muharubani (african herbs) concoction.
Noah
*./noah* neo - network engineering and operations
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 4:39 PM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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.

Hi Dorcas I dont disagree with you at all. I am all for universal internet since the outbreak of cory is presenting new opportunities while shading light to other potentials like the internet and how it can impact our lives socially and economically and politically. One thing I must mention as this debate expands, let us fix the power/energy issue. The internet infrastructure needs a lot if energy and if most of Kenya or better yet Africa still experiences lack of power or shortages of power due to excessive load shading then forget the universality of the internet after all your silicon materials from (tablets, laptops, desktops, servers, mobile phones and the microwave towers and fiber optic infrastructure) all need energy. Any lack of it defeats the purpose and this is not an excuse but a reality. Noah On Sun, 5 Apr 2020, 00:13 Dorcas Muthoni, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Noah,
In my opinion, making the Internet universally accessible and affordable increases the market size, more opportunities for engineers in your career.
New models need to be defined.
We cannot keep using unmet public needs (food, water) as a scapegoat for not recognizing the Internet for what it will be in the future. Future livelihoods will predominantly depend on the value of the Internet.
Regards, Muthoni
On Sat, 4 Apr 2020, 23:11 Noah, <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Muthoni
A very nice piece but the devil is in the details and believe me, the infrastructure that enables access to the Internet, costs money, a lot of money, no kidding. That is why even in developed nations, the internet is not universal but at least it's affordable due to massive private sector investment that went into building the transport networks in those countries hence the dense development of the Internet in most advanced economies.
The good news is that there is continued development of this infrastructure one day at a time across the continent. There is also a new movement around community networks to aid inclusiveness in places where there is no connectivity and this is not only in Africa but across the world.
For Africa, there is also an issue of geography. There are regulatory issues. There are economic issues in terms of what is a national priority though most counties have started to take the Internet and ICT seriously. No kidding, right now, access to food/water and healthcare is proving to be more of a priority than the Internet in most countries.
In your piece you talk of education and health. In terms of education and it being online, I tend to think that such content can be online or offline but it has to exist first and with internet exchange points and CDN's, a nation could leverage on such infrastructure to deliver such critical content to its people in the country at a much lower cost. In terms of health, the same approach could come in handy and this is where Internet exchange points become very important.
Just my opinion as I sip a warm glass of muharubani (african herbs) concoction.
Noah
*./noah* neo - network engineering and operations
On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 4:39 PM Dorcas Muthoni via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote:
Hi all,
This is an article I wrote recently: http://www.afchix.org/blog_post/internet-should-be-public-utility/
Happy to here your thoughts.
The regulatory framework needs to be future looking. The COVID-19 situation is bringing us back to the table to revise what we otherwise thought was reasonable use and penetration of the Internet in Kenya and across Africa.
Good time to revive like APC, KICTANET etc to revisit policy advocacy on universally accessible and affordable Internet access. Internet should be considered as critical as other services like water, electricity, sewerage etc.
We all know the school calendar is in total jeopardy and talks on having kids repeat 2020 on the table.
Universally accessible and affordable Internet access is what will give us a continuity strategy for education and support telemedicine. These are some of the areas where growth must happen.
Regards, Muthoni _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list [email protected] https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/noah%40neo.co.tz
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.
participants (13)
-
Barrack Otieno
-
Beryl Aidi
-
Bitange Ndemo
-
Dorcas Muthoni
-
Grace Githaiga
-
Jeremiah Ngure
-
John Kariuki
-
kanini mutemi
-
Liz Orembo
-
maria@afrikaict
-
Mildred Achoch
-
Noah
-
S.M. Muraya