Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country)
Could we please stop equating the BPO sector with Call Centers. Every time a discussion on the BPO sector starts it is inevitably reduced to a discussion on call centers. This is one of the biggest problems domestic outsourcing companies face since the BPO discussion seems to be only about call centers (for those of you at the CEO Breakfast earlier this year you will recall it was one of the main issues CEOs identified . They said the message they received was essentially BPO=Call Centers). There are numerous BPOs in the country that offer back office processing services from imaging and data storage to mail sorting and delivery (perhaps the stock brokers would have been advised to use them to prevent the Safaricom refund fiasco), and when we fail to highlight the diversity of the industry we lose valuable opportunities for marketing and visibility for these companies and the industry as a whole. Business Process Outsourcing is much larger that call centers and if we on this list cannot seem to make that distinction that is a major problem. May I also suggest that the ICT Board has more work to do on promoting domestic as well as international BPO work. Without a viable domestic market, we will not be able to nuture and grow local companies. Before the international business comes it would be helpful if local companies had local business to help sustain them, provide refernces as well as cushion them against the longer sales cycle for international contracts. Government can help by leading the way as it looks at implementing the eGovernment initiative as well as in providing incentives for local business to outsource. Marilyn Many thanks and best regards, Marilyn M. Kamuru eManage Africa Ltd. P.O. Box 18136 00500 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 20828 383; 20 34550 Cell : (254) 725 525 972, 736 225 384 www.emanageafrica.com
Marilyn, You are absolutely correct. Kind regards, Gilda Odera Managing Director Skyweb Technologies Ltd Tel: 254-20-2711446/2711760 Fax: 254-20-2713934 URL:www.skyweb.co.ke ----- Original Message ----- From: Marilyn Kamuru To: Gilda Odera Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 11:00 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within andwithout the country) Could we please stop equating the BPO sector with Call Centers. Every time a discussion on the BPO sector starts it is inevitably reduced to a discussion on call centers. This is one of the biggest problems domestic outsourcing companies face since the BPO discussion seems to be only about call centers (for those of you at the CEO Breakfast earlier this year you will recall it was one of the main issues CEOs identified . They said the message they received was essentially BPO=Call Centers). There are numerous BPOs in the country that offer back office processing services from imaging and data storage to mail sorting and delivery (perhaps the stock brokers would have been advised to use them to prevent the Safaricom refund fiasco), and when we fail to highlight the diversity of the industry we lose valuable opportunities for marketing and visibility for these companies and the industry as a whole. Business Process Outsourcing is much larger that call centers and if we on this list cannot seem to make that distinction that is a major problem. May I also suggest that the ICT Board has more work to do on promoting domestic as well as international BPO work. Without a viable domestic market, we will not be able to nuture and grow local companies. Before the international business comes it would be helpful if local companies had local business to help sustain them, provide refernces as well as cushion them against the longer sales cycle for international contracts. Government can help by leading the way as it looks at implementing the eGovernment initiative as well as in providing incentives for local business to outsource. Marilyn Many thanks and best regards, Marilyn M. Kamuru eManage Africa Ltd. P.O. Box 18136 00500 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 20828 383; 20 34550 Cell : (254) 725 525 972, 736 225 384 www.emanageafrica.com __________ NOD32 3208 (20080623) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: godera@skyweb.co.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/godera%40skyweb.co.ke __________ NOD32 3208 (20080623) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
Assuming in cases where a BPO is also providing data warehousing and processes, I hope the players are aware of possible future implementation of the Kenya Communications Act for Mobile Phone Operators. ( http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8341&Itemid=5847 ) With Rgds, Aki. Blog http://aki-opensource.blogspot.com/
If I may, let me ask - what has been identified as one of the pillar in Vision 2030? Is it ICT or BPO? One of the TV stations focused on the call center industry, during the launch of Vision 2030 and i got worried. Regards, Titus Njoroge.
Titus, You raise a pertinent question. In the V-2030, the pillar is 'BPO', and not 'ICT'. And listening to Government officials, the focus seems to be on the former, and not the latter. And am left wondering why. Perhaps this may help explain why 'marketing' is ICT Board's core activity. If BPO is all the Board is about - or its main focus, then of course 'marketing' is the core function. Best rgrds, Shem --- On Mon, 6/23/08, Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail.com> wrote: From: Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country) To: "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 10:26 AM If I may, let me ask - what has been identified as one of the pillar in Vision 2030? Is it ICT or BPO? One of the TV stations focused on the call center industry, during the launch of Vision 2030 and i got worried. Regards, Titus Njoroge.
Executive Summary: ICT for Development (ICT4D) has been the concern of various stakeholders for over two decades and has produced mixed results. KICTAnet commissioned this discussion with the aim of establishing the role that Civil Society, Private Sector and the Public Sector played within the ICT4D arena. In addition, the various motives and challenges each of the above stakeholders had, or experienced were explored in order to establish the areas of improvement and collaboration in terms of Private Public Partnerships. It was shared that the Civil Society had the most prominence and presence within the ICT4D arena. Most of its activities centred on provisioning of ICT Information Centers to marginalized communities within the rural areas. The Challenges experienced included poor infrastructure support such as lack of reliable Internet and or electrical supply. In addition, duplication rather than synergetic collaboration from similar government initiatives was also cited as a significant challenge. The Private Sector seemed to participate in ICT4D initiatives mainly by sponsoring Civil Society groups or through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outfits. There was relatively little shared in terms of Private Sector challenges but their motives were questioned by some members who felt their contributions were more self-centred than otherwise presented. The Public Sector (Government) was seen to have made significant strides in the ICT4D domain within the last five or so years. This was demonstrated by the gazettement of the National ICT Policy, commissioning of the eGovernment Secretariat and the ICT Board amongst other initiatives. The challenges cited included the relatively poor uptake or adoption of ICT usage within the wider public service and the duplication of some ICT initiatives that would preferably be executed better through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (MSP) approaches. With regard to the Policy frameworks governing ICT4D, the Public Sector was considered to be more established with well-defined Policy, Regulatory and Procedural structures. The Civil Society was considered less governed -despite having an NGO Council mandated to guide their Operations. Private Sector’s governance structures were seen to lie between the above two extremes, - setting a fertile ground for misunderstanding when the three parties attempted to collaborate on ICT4D initiatives. In conclusion, it was also shared that whereas Public Private Partnerships (PPP) seemed to have gained much attention in recent times, Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships may provide better returns on ICT4D investments. Another interesting observation was that Profit motives as demonstrated by Private sector need not be in conflict with the Public good and could therefore be simultaneously pursued. Finally, it was observed that Civil Society activities within ICT4D were relatively un-governed and there maybe need to technically equip the NGO Council in order for them to provide the necessary oversight. -more details in report. walu.
Shem and Titus, I agree with your observations. After attending some ICT Board events I gathered that BPO is indeed the focus for the Board, with other activities being 1. Advisory to the Govt 2. Capacity Building and 3. Project Management. I have heard the Board explain that they are not really into "ICT" per se but rather, its application. I do not mind marketing being a focus here (and I think they are doing a good job of it), but the gap to deal with "ICT" should abe addressed by the Government. The name "ICT Board" is somehow a misnomer that confuses some people. A better name would have been "ICT Marketing Board" or "ICT Promotion Board". Waudo, in Paris. On Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:49:38 -0700 (PDT), "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@y ahoo.com> said: Titus, You raise a pertinent question. In the V-2030, the pillar is 'BPO', and not 'ICT'. And listening to Government officials, the focus seems to be on the former, and not the latter. And am left wondering why. Perhaps this may help explain why 'marketing' is ICT Board's core activity. If BPO is all the Board is about - or its main focus, then of course 'marketing' is the core function. Best rgrds, Shem --- On Mon, 6/23/08, Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail.com> wrote: From: Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country) To: "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 10:26 AM If I may, let me ask - what has been identified as one of the pillar in Vision 2030? Is it ICT or BPO? One of the TV stations focused on the call center industry, during the launch of Vision 2030 and i got worried. Regards, Titus Njoroge. People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people work (Confucius).
When I look at the efforts that South Africa, Egypt, Mauritius and other emerging BPO destinations are putting to raise awareness about their countries as players in the BPO world, I am left wondering if the ICT Board is really aware of the challenge that they have in raising Kenya's profile? It will require a serious assault by Kenya, on the international market, together with a clear strategic plan, if we are to make any headway. Otherwise Vision 2030 can as well forget about the BPO sector. The Board could learn a thing or two from these countries. In the first place has the Board conducted a competitor analysis of these countries that Kenya is competing with? This should be the first step. All of these countries invested heavily not just in marketing, but also by providing incentives to would-be investors in the sector. Is the ICT Board looking at developing incentives for BPO investors? How will Kenya compete favourably with other countries? What are the plans for the BPO park? It is likely to be an empty shell, at the rate at which operators are shutting down or suspending operations. Wambui Wakarema --- On Tue, 24/6/08, waudo siganga <emailsignet@mailcan.com> wrote: From: waudo siganga <emailsignet@mailcan.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country) To: wambuiwakarema@yahoo.co.uk Cc: "New Vision List" <newvisionkenya@yahoogroups.com>, KICTAnet@yahoo.com, "Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tuesday, 24 June, 2008, 9:11 AM Shem and Titus, I agree with your observations. After attending some ICT Board events I gathered that BPO is indeed the focus for the Board, with other activities being 1. Advisory to the Govt 2. Capacity Building and 3.. Project Management. I have heard the Board explain that they are not really into "ICT" per se but rather, its application. I do not mind marketing being a focus here (and I think they are doing a good job of it), but the gap to deal with "ICT" should abe addressed by the Government. The name "ICT Board" is somehow a misnomer that confuses some people. A better name would have been "ICT Marketing Board" or "ICT Promotion Board". Waudo, in Paris. On Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:49:38 -0700 (PDT), "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> said: Titus, You raise a pertinent question. In the V-2030, the pillar is 'BPO', and not 'ICT'. And listening to Government officials, the focus seems to be on the former, and not the latter. And am left wondering why. Perhaps this may help explain why 'marketing' is ICT Board's core activity. If BPO is all the Board is about - or its main focus, then of course 'marketing' is the core function. Best rgrds, Shem --- On Mon, 6/23/08, Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail.com> wrote: From: Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country) To: "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 10:26 AM If I may, let me ask - what has been identified as one of the pillar in Vision 2030? Is it ICT or BPO? One of the TV stations focused on the call center industry, during the launch of Vision 2030 and i got worried. Regards, Titus Njoroge. People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people work (Confucius). _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: wambuiwakarema@yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wambuiwakarema%40yahoo.... __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html
Wambui I must admit that you have raised some pertinent issues. The feedback from many of our members at the BPO Society is that one of the reasons they find it very difficult to secure international contracts is because in the first place, there is not enough awareness 'out there' of Kenya as a BPO destination. Potential outsourcers are not aware of 'the Kenyan BPO Brand' and what are the values behind that brand. In the case of India, South Africa, Egypt, those countries have communicated their value proposition to their potential international markets. An outsourcer, or investor therefore knows what to expect in terms of quality, value, standards, human resources, data security policies, incentives etc when they want to do business with BPO's in those countries. I think the ICT Board will have to first concentrate efforts in building the 'Kenyan Brand' as a BPO destination, and raising awareness about the Brand and what value it represents. However, am not sure that the Board has the kind of budgets that the countries you have mentioned, have access to. Perhaps budgets are an issue? The ICT Board would be best placed to tell us more. And if budgets are inadequate, how can the government claim to be serious about BPO being one of the pillars of Vision 2030? Peres Were Kenya BPO & Contact Centre Society _____ From: kictanet-bounces+pwere=cascadegl.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+pwere=cascadegl.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Wambui Wakarema Sent: 25 June 2008 18:48 To: pwere@cascadegl.com Cc: KICTAnet@yahoo.com; New Vision List; Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within andwithout the country) When I look at the efforts that South Africa, Egypt, Mauritius and other emerging BPO destinations are putting to raise awareness about their countries as players in the BPO world, I am left wondering if the ICT Board is really aware of the challenge that they have in raising Kenya's profile? It will require a serious assault by Kenya, on the international market, together with a clear strategic plan, if we are to make any headway. Otherwise Vision 2030 can as well forget about the BPO sector. The Board could learn a thing or two from these countries. In the first place has the Board conducted a competitor analysis of these countries that Kenya is competing with? This should be the first step. All of these countries invested heavily not just in marketing, but also by providing incentives to would-be investors in the sector. Is the ICT Board looking at developing incentives for BPO investors? How will Kenya compete favourably with other countries? What are the plans for the BPO park? It is likely to be an empty shell, at the rate at which operators are shutting down or suspending operations. Wambui Wakarema --- On Tue, 24/6/08, waudo siganga <emailsignet@mailcan..com> wrote: From: waudo siganga <emailsignet@mailcan.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country) To: wambuiwakarema@yahoo.co.uk Cc: "New Vision List" <newvisionkenya@yahoogroups.com>, KICTAnet@yahoo.com, "Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tuesday, 24 June, 2008, 9:11 AM Shem and Titus, I agree with your observations. After attending some ICT Board events I gathered that BPO is indeed the focus for the Board, with other activities being 1. Advisory to the Govt 2. Capacity Building and 3. Project Management. I have heard the Board explain that they are not really into "ICT" per se but rather, its application. I do not mind marketing being a focus here (and I think they are doing a good job of it), but the gap to deal with "ICT" should abe addressed by the Government. The name "ICT Board" is somehow a misnomer that confuses some people. A better name would have been "ICT Marketing Board" or "ICT Promotion Board". Waudo, in Paris. On Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:49:38 -0700 (PDT), "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> said: Titus, You raise a pertinent question. In the V-2030, the pillar is 'BPO', and not 'ICT'. And listening to Government officials, the focus seems to be on the former, and not the latter. And am left wondering why. Perhaps this may help explain why 'marketing' is ICT Board's core activity. If BPO is all the Board is about - or its main focus, then of course 'marketing' is the core function. Best rgrds, Shem --- On Mon, 6/23/08, Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail..com> wrote: From: Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country) To: "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 10:26 AM If I may, let me ask - what has been identified as one of the pillar in Vision 2030? Is it ICT or BPO? One of the TV stations focused on the call center industry, during the launch of Vision 2030 and i got worried. Regards, Titus Njoroge. People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people work (Confucius). _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: wambuiwakarema@yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wambuiwakarema%40yahoo. .co.uk _____ Sent from Yahoo! Mail <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mailuk/taglines/isp/control/*http:/us.rd.yahoo.com/e vt=52418/*http:/uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html> . A Smarter Email.
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Peres and Wambui, I would like to echo your views. For Kenya to become a recognised BPO Outsourcing destination, the Kenya government will definitely have to put in place much bigger and effective budgets to realise this objective. I recall having a long meeting with the Chair of the then SACCOM (now BPeSA) three years ago just to get an understanding of how South Africa was placing itself strategically. I must admit we are a far cry from there in terms of budget allocation for marketing, training and consultancy. At the time, South Africa had allocated 4Billion Rand towards making it a leading outsourcing destination in Africa within a period of 5 years. I Billion Rand went towards marketing South Africa itself, the other 2B Rand went to to developing pools of personnel and project consultancy to learn from those countries who were successful in the Outsourcing Industry. I am not saying Kenya has such budgets but I am opening our eyes to the sort of competition we are facing. We have much more to offer than South Africa as we all know but who out there knows about this? The Kenya BPO and Contact Society, the private sector wing of this industry is still young and unfortunately not well equipped financially. We have however, in our own small strides, tried sensitising external markets of our existence. What we are doing now is partnering with other international organisations to help fund some of our capacity building and marketing activities. We appreciate that government alone cannot achieve this. We however continue to impress upon government that in the next budget, given that this one has already passed, there must be provisions for serious marketing of this Industry if it is to be one of the key pillars of 2030 Vision. My personal view is that a good part of the 900million for the business park should have been put to marketing Kenya so that as the fibre optic able comes in, the demand is also created. Private sector can always develop business parks, I am not sure why government wants to get into developing parks. This needs to be left to private sector. Government can give incentives such as land allocations to such developers and there are many out there planning to do this. The Kenya BPO and Contact Centre Society would want to support its members to have strong, profitable businesses. We are especially keen on seeing how government can support indigenous BPOs. As much as it is important that we have FDI and that foreign BPOs should also set shop in Kenya, for employment creation and knowledge transfer, we want to encourage a situation where the indigenous local companies are given some incentives and supported in various ways, rather than see them close shop when they cannot afford the high cost of bandwidth which is still prevailing. It is these operators who would invest their money back in Kenya and remain operating in Kenya when foreign owned BPOs find new and more appealing destinations years down the road. We know there are about 20 such BPOs who have taken the risk in investing their money in establishing their operations and they are the ones who have enabled us to go out there saying Kenya is now an outsourcing destination. What incentives are there and where is the support in terms of driving in work to these companies to keep them flying the flag high? This can only happen with adequate marketing budgets, taking these operatives out for one to one meetings with outsourcers in North America and Europe so they can come back with signed contracts, assuming the bandwidth subsidy takes effect concurrently so as to service the contracts. If not this, can the ICT Board which falls under the Ministry of Information and Communication, under which this Industry falls, negotiate with other government ministries in the meantime to provide local work to these BPOs to keep them afloat. Government has sufficient work to outsource. We at the Kenya BPO and Contact Center Society are ready to sit together with Government to make this work. Gilda Odera Chair, Kenya BPO and Contact Centre Society ----- Original Message ----- From: Peres Were To: Gilda Odera Cc: 'Policy Discussions' Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 7:25 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (withinandwithout the country) Wambui I must admit that you have raised some pertinent issues. The feedback from many of our members at the BPO Society is that one of the reasons they find it very difficult to secure international contracts is because in the first place, there is not enough awareness 'out there' of Kenya as a BPO destination. Potential outsourcers are not aware of 'the Kenyan BPO Brand' and what are the values behind that brand. In the case of India, South Africa, Egypt, those countries have communicated their value proposition to their potential international markets. An outsourcer, or investor therefore knows what to expect in terms of quality, value, standards, human resources, data security policies, incentives etc when they want to do business with BPO's in those countries. I think the ICT Board will have to first concentrate efforts in building the 'Kenyan Brand' as a BPO destination, and raising awareness about the Brand and what value it represents. However, am not sure that the Board has the kind of budgets that the countries you have mentioned, have access to. Perhaps budgets are an issue? The ICT Board would be best placed to tell us more. And if budgets are inadequate, how can the government claim to be serious about BPO being one of the pillars of Vision 2030? Peres Were Kenya BPO & Contact Centre Society ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: kictanet-bounces+pwere=cascadegl.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+pwere=cascadegl.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Wambui Wakarema Sent: 25 June 2008 18:48 To: pwere@cascadegl.com Cc: KICTAnet@yahoo.com; New Vision List; Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within andwithout the country) When I look at the efforts that South Africa, Egypt, Mauritius and other emerging BPO destinations are putting to raise awareness about their countries as players in the BPO world, I am left wondering if the ICT Board is really aware of the challenge that they have in raising Kenya's profile? It will require a serious assault by Kenya, on the international market, together with a clear strategic plan, if we are to make any headway. Otherwise Vision 2030 can as well forget about the BPO sector. The Board could learn a thing or two from these countries. In the first place has the Board conducted a competitor analysis of these countries that Kenya is competing with? This should be the first step. All of these countries invested heavily not just in marketing, but also by providing incentives to would-be investors in the sector. Is the ICT Board looking at developing incentives for BPO investors? How will Kenya compete favourably with other countries? What are the plans for the BPO park? It is likely to be an empty shell, at the rate at which operators are shutting down or suspending operations. Wambui Wakarema --- On Tue, 24/6/08, waudo siganga <emailsignet@mailcan..com> wrote: From: waudo siganga <emailsignet@mailcan.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country) To: wambuiwakarema@yahoo.co.uk Cc: "New Vision List" <newvisionkenya@yahoogroups.com>, KICTAnet@yahoo.com, "Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tuesday, 24 June, 2008, 9:11 AM Shem and Titus, I agree with your observations. After attending some ICT Board events I gathered that BPO is indeed the focus for the Board, with other activities being 1. Advisory to the Govt 2. Capacity Building and 3. Project Management. I have heard the Board explain that they are not really into "ICT" per se but rather, its application. I do not mind marketing being a focus here (and I think they are doing a good job of it), but the gap to deal with "ICT" should abe addressed by the Government. The name "ICT Board" is somehow a misnomer that confuses some people. A better name would have been "ICT Marketing Board" or "ICT Promotion Board". Waudo, in Paris. On Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:49:38 -0700 (PDT), "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> said:Titus, You raise a pertinent question. In the V-2030, the pillar is 'BPO', and not 'ICT'. And listening to Government officials, the focus seems to be on the former, and not the latter. And am left wondering why. Perhaps this may help explain why 'marketing' is ICT Board's core activity. If BPO is all the Board is about - or its main focus, then of course 'marketing' is the core function. Best rgrds, Shem --- On Mon, 6/23/08, Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail..com> wrote: From: Titus Mburu <titonjoroge@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within and without the country) To: "Shem Ochuodho" <shemochuodho@yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 10:26 AM If I may, let me ask - what has been identified as one of the pillar in Vision 2030? Is it ICT or BPO? One of the TV stations focused on the call center industry, during the launch of Vision 2030 and i got worried. Regards, Titus Njoroge. People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people work (Confucius)._______________________________________________kictanet mailing listkictanet@lists.kictanet.or.kehttp://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: wambuiwakarema@yahoo.co.ukUnsubscribe or change your options athttp://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wambuiwakarema%40yahoo.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. 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During the launch last Saturday of the BPO Standards and Ethics guidelines drafted by the Kenya BPO & Contact Centre Society, Dr Ndemo mentioned that government would soon be outsourcing, beginning with Ministry of Lands. This was quite encouraging. Dr Ndemo, are there any timelines to this? I would imagine that with all the documents at Lands that need to be digitised, there is no BPO operator who will fail to get a piece of the pie. Best regards Peres Were Managing Director CASCADE GLOBAL _____ From: kictanet-bounces+pwere=cascadegl.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+pwere=cascadegl.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Marilyn Kamuru Sent: 23 June 2008 11:01 To: pwere@cascadegl.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Marketing Kenya as a BPO Destination (within andwithout the country) Could we please stop equating the BPO sector with Call Centers. Every time a discussion on the BPO sector starts it is inevitably reduced to a discussion on call centers. This is one of the biggest problems domestic outsourcing companies face since the BPO discussion seems to be only about call centers (for those of you at the CEO Breakfast earlier this year you will recall it was one of the main issues CEOs identified . They said the message they received was essentially BPO=Call Centers). There are numerous BPOs in the country that offer back office processing services from imaging and data storage to mail sorting and delivery (perhaps the stock brokers would have been advised to use them to prevent the Safaricom refund fiasco), and when we fail to highlight the diversity of the industry we lose valuable opportunities for marketing and visibility for these companies and the industry as a whole. Business Process Outsourcing is much larger that call centers and if we on this list cannot seem to make that distinction that is a major problem. May I also suggest that the ICT Board has more work to do on promoting domestic as well as international BPO work. Without a viable domestic market, we will not be able to nuture and grow local companies. Before the international business comes it would be helpful if local companies had local business to help sustain them, provide refernces as well as cushion them against the longer sales cycle for international contracts. Government can help by leading the way as it looks at implementing the eGovernment initiative as well as in providing incentives for local business to outsource. Marilyn Many thanks and best regards, Marilyn M. Kamuru eManage Africa Ltd. P.O. Box 18136 00500 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 20828 383; 20 34550 Cell : (254) 725 525 972, 736 225 384 www.emanageafrica.com
participants (10)
-
aki -
Gilda Odera -
John Walubengo -
Marilyn Kamuru -
per-erick＠i360microsystems.com -
Peres Were -
Shem Ochuodho -
Titus Mburu -
Wambui Wakarema -
waudo siganga