CALL TO PARTICIPATE AT THE 4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE (KESIG)
Dear Listers The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors . The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes. Learn more about KeSIG HERE Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you! KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after. Kindly access application form HERE | | | | | | | | | | | 4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG) KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... | | | For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke Warmly Mwara Gichanga Tech Policy Associate KICTANet
Dear listers, When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives. Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly: a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives); b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence; c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models. A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public. The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"! So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination. This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc). Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions: 1. Is it a school or is it an event? 2. Where is the school based? 3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies? 4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials? 5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues. 6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies? 7. Does it issue certificates? 8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found? 9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course? 10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality? 11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)? This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance. Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above? Many thanks & have a blessed day. Patrick. Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations] On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Dear Listers The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors . The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes. Learn more about KeSIG HERE Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you! KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after. Kindly access application form HERE | | | | | | | | | | | 4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG) KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... | | | For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke Warmly Mwara Gichanga Tech Policy Associate KICTANet _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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.
Patrick Get a life. *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *AHK & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:20 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/info%40alyhussein.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.
In case you missed the link. Here it is. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115 You will find all the previous KeSIG reports. A brief background: Schools of internet governance (SIGs) are an offshoot of Internet Governance Fora (IGF). Internet governance fora are national and regional events that feed into the global UN hosted IGF. IGF is an annual soft law making event. It is multi stakeholder in its organisation and discussions. The Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG) is being held prior to the Kenya IGF. KeSIG runs from 29th -31st July while KIGF will be on 1st August. Like the global events, KeSIG and KIGF are also multistakeholder, bringing together the local community. While the event is sponsored by multiple stakeholders, it is convened by KICTANet.Infact, I am sure you will feature in the programme, should you have the time as you always bring a fresh view to our debates here. Please also see previous emails calling for volunteers to the KeSIG steering <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034691.html>committee and KIGF <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034680.html>. There is also a call for KIGF topics <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-July/034717.html>. Finally, we are very proud of Mwara, our Tech Policy Associate, whose journey begun from being a fellow at KeSIG. She is now the administrative lead in the 4th edition of the school. So KeSIG is also a training ground for youth. Warm regards, On Wed, 3 Jul 2019 at 19:20, Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/nmutungu%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.
-- Grace Mutung'u Skype: gracebomu @Bomu PGP ID : 0x33A3450F
Why is your job to cast aspersions on everything people do? Show us what you have done Patrick. This is not a platform to always have negative issues about other people. We are here to engage positively. This negativity from you is reaching a tipping point. Engage positively my brother or don't engage at all. Please feel free to join the MAG and contribute and ask all these questions in a positive manner. Or don't. Regards *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *AHK & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:20 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/info%40alyhussein.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.
The beauty about Kenya IGF and KeSIG is the multistakeholder nature, and the involvement of the community right from the beginning. AND WHERE IS THE BEGINNING? The AGENDA setting stage. This has been said again by Grace Bomu, Victor Kapiyo, and Mwara, but let me share again. The three links below are posts on the list on the AGENDA setting stage for KIGF and KeSIG where the KIGF MAG and KeSIG Steercom is formed to ask and answer all the questions that Patrick has asked. What should be the topics and overall objectives, Who should be the sponsor, Where will the event be held, When will it be held, Why all this, How will all this fit together,?, (what when where who why how). Call for volunteers- 2019 KeSIG steering committee https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034691.html Call for Topics - Kenya IGF 2019 https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-July/034717.html Call for Volunteers for the 2019 Kenya IGF Steering Team https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034681.html Another good thing is the permission-less nature, anybody is invited to participate, contribute, ask intelligent questions, and stupid ones too without any judgement. This platform does not only offer learning, but brings new voices to the tech policy space. Actually, the Kenya IGF and KeSIG are only a handful of very few initiatives that has produced the highest number of ICT policy experts in the entire continent, doing positive work in influencing enabling policies that affect me and you. I wish they can all give testimonials here. This is truly an initiative that is not just talk, but there is positive forward walk. Warm Regards. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, On Wed, 3 Jul 2019 at 19:44, Ali Hussein via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Why is your job to cast aspersions on everything people do?
Show us what you have done Patrick. This is not a platform to always have negative issues about other people. We are here to engage positively. This negativity from you is reaching a tipping point.
Engage positively my brother or don't engage at all. Please feel free to join the MAG and contribute and ask all these questions in a positive manner. Or don't.
Regards
*Ali Hussein*
*Principal*
*AHK & Associates*
Tel: +254 713 601113
Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim>
13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing,
Chiromo Road, Westlands,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.
On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:20 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/info%40alyhussein.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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/kivuva%40transworldafr...
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.
Mwendwa Very well said. Let everyone who feels they have something to contribute beyond the list feel free to join and shape the agenda and content. It is easy to criticize without making a contribution beyond the criticism. You are invited to the kitchen to suggest not only the ingredients but the menu, the settings, the venue and ultimately how to engage during the events. The beauty about online platforms like these is that they provide an avenue to engage offline and bring real issues to bear. Let us rise to the challenge. Ali Hussein Principal AHK & Associates +254 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." ~ Aristotle Sent from my iPad
On 4 Jul 2019, at 11:23 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
The beauty about Kenya IGF and KeSIG is the multistakeholder nature, and the involvement of the community right from the beginning. AND WHERE IS THE BEGINNING? The AGENDA setting stage.
This has been said again by Grace Bomu, Victor Kapiyo, and Mwara, but let me share again. The three links below are posts on the list on the AGENDA setting stage for KIGF and KeSIG where the KIGF MAG and KeSIG Steercom is formed to ask and answer all the questions that Patrick has asked. What should be the topics and overall objectives, Who should be the sponsor, Where will the event be held, When will it be held, Why all this, How will all this fit together,?, (what when where who why how).
Call for volunteers- 2019 KeSIG steering committee https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034691.html Call for Topics - Kenya IGF 2019 https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-July/034717.html Call for Volunteers for the 2019 Kenya IGF Steering Team https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034681.html
Another good thing is the permission-less nature, anybody is invited to participate, contribute, ask intelligent questions, and stupid ones too without any judgement. This platform does not only offer learning, but brings new voices to the tech policy space. Actually, the Kenya IGF and KeSIG are only a handful of very few initiatives that has produced the highest number of ICT policy experts in the entire continent, doing positive work in influencing enabling policies that affect me and you. I wish they can all give testimonials here. This is truly an initiative that is not just talk, but there is positive forward walk.
Warm Regards. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva,
On Wed, 3 Jul 2019 at 19:44, Ali Hussein via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Why is your job to cast aspersions on everything people do?
Show us what you have done Patrick. This is not a platform to always have negative issues about other people. We are here to engage positively. This negativity from you is reaching a tipping point.
Engage positively my brother or don't engage at all. Please feel free to join the MAG and contribute and ask all these questions in a positive manner. Or don't.
Regards
Ali Hussein Principal AHK & Associates
Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya.
Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.
On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:20 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG) KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG...
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly Mwara Gichanga Tech Policy Associate KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/info%40alyhussein.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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/kivuva%40transworldafr...
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet 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/info%40alyhussein.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.
Colleagues, We are losing focus. May i propose given the bottom up nature of KICTAnet that our colleague Patrick gets us funding or resources for a members (listers) meeting since he seems to have a problem with organizations that support the networks activities . It seems this mode of engagement is not satisfactory despite the fact that most of the answers are in the public domain. We can come and discuss the issues in detail during the members forum. In the mean time, let us continue with preparations for the School of Internet Governance and the Kenya IGF. We have many Listers and members of the community who are eager to learn, lets give them a chance. Regards On Fri, Jul 5, 2019 at 8:16 AM Ali Hussein via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Mwendwa
Very well said.
Let everyone who feels they have something to contribute beyond the list feel free to join and shape the agenda and content. It is easy to criticize without making a contribution beyond the criticism.
You are invited to the kitchen to suggest not only the ingredients but the menu, the settings, the venue and ultimately how to engage during the events.
The beauty about online platforms like these is that they provide an avenue to engage offline and bring real issues to bear.
Let us rise to the challenge.
*Ali Hussein* *Principal* *AHK & Associates* +254 0713 601113
Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." ~ Aristotle
Sent from my iPad
On 4 Jul 2019, at 11:23 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
The beauty about Kenya IGF and KeSIG is the multistakeholder nature, and the involvement of the community right from the beginning. AND WHERE IS THE BEGINNING? The AGENDA setting stage.
This has been said again by Grace Bomu, Victor Kapiyo, and Mwara, but let me share again. The three links below are posts on the list on the AGENDA setting stage for KIGF and KeSIG where the KIGF MAG and KeSIG Steercom is formed to ask and answer all the questions that Patrick has asked. What should be the topics and overall objectives, Who should be the sponsor, Where will the event be held, When will it be held, Why all this, How will all this fit together,?, (what when where who why how).
Call for volunteers- 2019 KeSIG steering committee https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034691.html Call for Topics - Kenya IGF 2019 https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-July/034717.html Call for Volunteers for the 2019 Kenya IGF Steering Team https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034681.html
Another good thing is the permission-less nature, anybody is invited to participate, contribute, ask intelligent questions, and stupid ones too without any judgement. This platform does not only offer learning, but brings new voices to the tech policy space. Actually, the Kenya IGF and KeSIG are only a handful of very few initiatives that has produced the highest number of ICT policy experts in the entire continent, doing positive work in influencing enabling policies that affect me and you. I wish they can all give testimonials here. This is truly an initiative that is not just talk, but there is positive forward walk.
Warm Regards. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva,
On Wed, 3 Jul 2019 at 19:44, Ali Hussein via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Why is your job to cast aspersions on everything people do?
Show us what you have done Patrick. This is not a platform to always have negative issues about other people. We are here to engage positively. This negativity from you is reaching a tipping point.
Engage positively my brother or don't engage at all. Please feel free to join the MAG and contribute and ask all these questions in a positive manner. Or don't.
Regards
*Ali Hussein*
*Principal*
*AHK & Associates*
Tel: +254 713 601113
Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim>
13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing,
Chiromo Road, Westlands,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.
On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:20 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet 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/info%40alyhussein.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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/kivuva%40transworldafr...
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet 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/info%40alyhussein.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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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
Barrack I agree. As Grace said. Let's agree to disagree. Regards *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *AHK & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. On Fri, Jul 5, 2019 at 8:35 AM Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com> wrote:
Colleagues,
We are losing focus. May i propose given the bottom up nature of KICTAnet that our colleague Patrick gets us funding or resources for a members (listers) meeting since he seems to have a problem with organizations that support the networks activities . It seems this mode of engagement is not satisfactory despite the fact that most of the answers are in the public domain. We can come and discuss the issues in detail during the members forum. In the mean time, let us continue with preparations for the School of Internet Governance and the Kenya IGF. We have many Listers and members of the community who are eager to learn, lets give them a chance.
Regards
On Fri, Jul 5, 2019 at 8:16 AM Ali Hussein via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Mwendwa
Very well said.
Let everyone who feels they have something to contribute beyond the list feel free to join and shape the agenda and content. It is easy to criticize without making a contribution beyond the criticism.
You are invited to the kitchen to suggest not only the ingredients but the menu, the settings, the venue and ultimately how to engage during the events.
The beauty about online platforms like these is that they provide an avenue to engage offline and bring real issues to bear.
Let us rise to the challenge.
*Ali Hussein* *Principal* *AHK & Associates* +254 0713 601113
Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." ~ Aristotle
Sent from my iPad
On 4 Jul 2019, at 11:23 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
The beauty about Kenya IGF and KeSIG is the multistakeholder nature, and the involvement of the community right from the beginning. AND WHERE IS THE BEGINNING? The AGENDA setting stage.
This has been said again by Grace Bomu, Victor Kapiyo, and Mwara, but let me share again. The three links below are posts on the list on the AGENDA setting stage for KIGF and KeSIG where the KIGF MAG and KeSIG Steercom is formed to ask and answer all the questions that Patrick has asked. What should be the topics and overall objectives, Who should be the sponsor, Where will the event be held, When will it be held, Why all this, How will all this fit together,?, (what when where who why how).
Call for volunteers- 2019 KeSIG steering committee https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034691.html Call for Topics - Kenya IGF 2019 https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-July/034717.html Call for Volunteers for the 2019 Kenya IGF Steering Team https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/pipermail/kictanet/2019-June/034681.html
Another good thing is the permission-less nature, anybody is invited to participate, contribute, ask intelligent questions, and stupid ones too without any judgement. This platform does not only offer learning, but brings new voices to the tech policy space. Actually, the Kenya IGF and KeSIG are only a handful of very few initiatives that has produced the highest number of ICT policy experts in the entire continent, doing positive work in influencing enabling policies that affect me and you. I wish they can all give testimonials here. This is truly an initiative that is not just talk, but there is positive forward walk.
Warm Regards. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva,
On Wed, 3 Jul 2019 at 19:44, Ali Hussein via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Why is your job to cast aspersions on everything people do?
Show us what you have done Patrick. This is not a platform to always have negative issues about other people. We are here to engage positively. This negativity from you is reaching a tipping point.
Engage positively my brother or don't engage at all. Please feel free to join the MAG and contribute and ask all these questions in a positive manner. Or don't.
Regards
*Ali Hussein*
*Principal*
*AHK & Associates*
Tel: +254 713 601113
Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim>
13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing,
Chiromo Road, Westlands,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.
On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:20 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/info%40alyhussein.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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/kivuva%40transworldafr...
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet 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/info%40alyhussein.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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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
Patrick, There is fake news and in my own view, "fake" words. One of these words is "neutrality". No one is neutral. We just come together to balance each other out. KICTANET has archives :) https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?p=37239 On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:21 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet 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*
He he he Muraya. I remember that fiery debate. We had to agree to disagree. Very wise words. Policy is about balancing different views. K On Fri, 5 Jul 2019 at 08:06, S.M. Muraya via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Patrick,
There is fake news and in my own view, "fake" words.
One of these words is "neutrality". No one is neutral. We just come together to balance each other out.
KICTANET has archives :) https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?p=37239
On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:21 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/wagitungo%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.
Patrick, Indoctrination from attending a one week school... First, There are many schools in the Internet Governance space, there is AfriSIG, Diplo have their program, ICANN Next Gen, ISOC youth... I think you should be a little bit more open minded, dig a little bit more. I personally don't think they are indoctrination events but from the few programs I have participated in, I have learnt so much. Secondly, you have freedom of opinion and expression. But I'd urge you to be a little open minded. Look at a program from the perspective of what you can learn from it. From there, you can judge whether it is an indoctrination exercise or not. On Fri, 5 Jul 2019, 09:47 Kiarie Wagitungo via kictanet, < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
He he he Muraya. I remember that fiery debate. We had to agree to disagree. Very wise words. Policy is about balancing different views. K
On Fri, 5 Jul 2019 at 08:06, S.M. Muraya via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Patrick,
There is fake news and in my own view, "fake" words.
One of these words is "neutrality". No one is neutral. We just come together to balance each other out.
KICTANET has archives :) https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?p=37239
On Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 7:21 PM Patrick A. M. Maina via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear listers,
When it comes to topics that can influence thought on policy issues, the line between training and indoctrination or brainwash becomes very thin - hence the need for vigilance, close scrutiny, transparency and *neutrality assurance* of (all) policy-related training initiatives.
Some of the companies known to sponsor such events worldwide are notorious for aggressive lobbying on policy or governance issues, ostensibly:
a. to try avoid impending regulation of their harmful/anti-social business models (or to distort accountability and responsibility narratives);
b to try gain unfair advantage over government policy (and/or procurement) by corrupting rules, infiltrating and subverting public sector initiatives, or by peddling influence;
c. to institutionalize, launder and/or officially entrench their socially/economically damaging profit models.
A number of them have been accused by multiple governments, regulators, civil society, journalists, intellectuals, internet users (via class action lawsuits) and even their own former executives of using either unlawful or dishonest / grossly unethical business practices in ruthless pursuit of profit. Examples of these dubious practices include purposefully developing harmful/addiction-forming radicalizing online products targeted at young people, using deceptive tactics to grow or protect their businesses, infiltrating and subverting public education systems, subverting economies by capturing workers and learners attention, brazen disregard for people's privacy, unethical exploitation of private info, brazenly breaking laws or aggressively exploiting weak laws, exploiting public ignorance for profit and using predatory commercial strategies that are harmful to the public.
The same companies, despite having BILLIONS in revenue, *agressively avoid* contributing their FAIR SHARE of taxes (sometimes to the extent of operating illegally, with impunity, in poor countries) - thus unfairly increasing the burden on governments and taxpayers to fund remediation for the indirect damage that these rogue companies cause e.g. damage to public health, subverting education, political instability, extremism and economic sabotage. These indirect, hidden burdens (negative externalities) can be socio-economically devastating - especially in developing economies, but are seldom recognized, highlighted, mitigated or attributed to the companies that are creating/amplifying them. The same companies then chicanerously manipulate the civil society (e.g. via training & sponsorship) to defend their commercial products as a "human right"!
So depending on the sponsor(s), curriculum and governance framework, a training initiative could either be seen as legitimate training or a kind of backdoor indoctrination.
This is why it is important to have full transparency and independent vetting of such sensitive initiatives (including sponsors, curriculum, tutors, accreditation etc).
Also the use of the word "school" suggests an institution that has undergone formal vetting and accreditation. Yet when I look at the website, it ostensibly reads as if the "school" is an event. Questions:
1. Is it a school or is it an event?
2. Where is the school based?
3. Is it registered with relevant training oversight bodies?
4. Who are the lecturers and what are their credentials?
5. Who developed the coursework & what process was used? This is in view of high risk of content subversion due to powerful business interests having high conflicts of interest on policy and governance issues.
6. Is the school & coursework accredited? By which bodies?
7. Does it issue certificates?
8. How is the school/course funded? Does it have transparency reports? Where can they be found?
9. Who are the sponsors of this event/course?
10. How is conflict of interest avoided (currently and in the past)? Who audits & certifies neutrality?
11. By now such kinds of (potentially subjective) public-interest courses should have been put somewhere online for free and open access. This also allows for independent public scrutiny of the course content. How come this more transparent (and more pro-internet) approach has not yet been taken (despite big sponsors)?
This is not to cast aspersions on this specific initiative but to point out, in good faith and in public interest, possible areas of risks or concern, so that they can be addressed or clarified. The issues above generally apply to any initiative(s) purporting to train stakeholders on policy and governance.
Perhaps KICTANet officials can shed more light on the above issues please or point us to online resources that have the answers for each question above?
Many thanks & have a blessed day.
Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:24:28 PM GMT+3, mwara gichanga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers
The internet has become a vital platform for social, economic and political development in the world, and more increasing so here in Kenya. These bring about a lot of national interests around internet governance debates across all sectors .
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is pleased to welcome applications from those individuals interested in internet Governance for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). KeSIG takes place prior to the Kenya IGF, with the aim of introducing beginners to basic concepts in internet policy making. This is with the goal of creating and increasing the available expertise for participation in local and global internet governance processes.
Learn more about KeSIG HERE <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115>
Whether you are a policy maker, a researcher, a regulator, an engineer, a journalist, an entrepreneur or a human rights defender – if you are interested and want to get involved in internet policy and governance , KeSIG is designed perfectly for you!
KeSIG will take place over a 3-day course from the 29th-31st July 2019, with the deadline for submissions closing on 13th July 2019, and announcement of selected participants following soon after.
Kindly access application form HERE <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
4TH EDITION OF KENYA SCHOOL OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE(KESIG)
KICTANet welcomes applications for fellows for the 4th Edition of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG... <https://forms.gle/vCncJuuGSnowFUhNA>
For any further information or clarification , kindly email info@kictanet.or.ke or Mwara Gichanga mwaragichanga@kictanet.or.ke
Warmly
Mwara Gichanga
Tech Policy Associate
KICTANet
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/pmaina2000%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/wagitungo%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 kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke 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/monyango93%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.
participants (9)
-
Ali Hussein -
Barrack Otieno -
Francis Monyango -
Grace Bomu -
Kiarie Wagitungo -
mwara gichanga -
Mwendwa Kivuva -
Patrick A. M. Maina -
S.M. Muraya