+254721325277Dear Internet Society Members and Colleagues,
I hereby express interest for the position of Chairman in the forthcoming elections for the Internet Society Kenya Chapter. Most of you know me very well based on my role in registration and accreditation of the Kenyan Chapter with the interim team however I will give a short overview of myself as I offer my candidature as well as some thoughts on the issues we are all facing.
I have a background in management information systems from the Multimedia University of Kenya. I am also a Diplo Foundation alumnus in Internet Governance, Commonwealth fellow in Internet Governance as well as a former fellow of the United Nations Internet Governance Secretariat where I also served. My areas of expertise include ICT Policy advocacy, community based ICT for development work and institutional leadership with emphasis on strategy development and multi country stakeholder and coalition development. My expertise is anchored around the role of the Internet as a tool for social and economic development focusing on Internet governance, public policy, the right and access to communication and Information for all.
It has been a pleasure serving the Internet Society Kenya Chapter in the last three years in the position of Interim Chairman. We have achieved a lot through team work. Some of the highlights of my time in office have been registration and accreditation of the Kenyan Chapter on 9th June 2012, hosting of the world IP v 6 day, outreach initiatives that grew our membership from 25 to approximately 500. During this time the Kenya Chapter became the home of Kenya internet Governance forum www.kenyaigf.or.ke . We partnered in hosting the East African Internet Governance Forum as well as hosted the second edition of Africa Internet Governance forum, www.africaigf.or.ke all with the help of partners and stakeholders such as the Government of Kenya and the local Internet Community. Internet Society Kenya Chapter was also accredited as an ICANN at large structure meaning we became the voice of local Internet Users in the ICANN community.
I am also glad that we have a vibrant mailing list that is used for policy discussions on Internet related issues. One of my desires was to see an increase in the number of young people participating in the International Internet Governance arena. I am glad to note that the number of young people attending and participating in ICANN and Internet Governance for a through the Internet Society is steadily increasing. With the ICANN ALS accreditation, it is my hope that there will be many more young people participating and that.
If elected I would wish to focus on the following key areas:
1. 1. Institutional Development for the Internet Society Kenya Chapter: It is my desire that the Kenya Chapter will become a professional entity with a Secretariat providing quality services to its membership. Some of the services will include advocacy on internet policy and related issues, research as well as providing a platform for internet enthusiasts and professionals to network and share ideas. This can be achieved through development of a strategic plan that will enable us to harness the potential of our members and strategic partners.
2. 2. Capacity Building and continuous professional development: through strategic partnerships with players in the local and international Internet Community and with the help of my colleagues in the executive I will endeavour to promote professional development of our members. It is my desire to encourage more young people to participate in the Internet Engineering task force activities and will plan to have more outreach activities focused on encouraging and mentoring young people to understand and participate effectively in the Internet Engineering task force.
3. 3. Participation in regional and International activities: to enable our members and community gain International exposure and engage proactively in the regional and International Internet arena, we will continue to participate in the East African Internet Governance Forum, Africa Internet Governance Forum as well as AFRALO, the at large community in Africa of which we are members by virtue of being an at large structure. It is my desire that we will also have an opportunity to host an edition of the Africa Internet Standards Forum as well as the INET (global meeting for Internet Society) in partnership with the African Bureau. It is my humble opinion that the experience and expertise that we have as a chapter can be used to shape growth and development of the Internet community in Africa.
4. 4. Strengthening of Strategic partnerships: The Kenya Chapter has achieved a lot through strategic partnerships with the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Communications Authority of Kenya, Telecommunication Service providers of Kenya , the I hub, Strathmore University as well as various community based organizations. We recognise the role this Institutions continue to play in the local and regional Internet Community and will endeavour to complement their efforts to ensure the Internet is for all in Kenya
As I conclude I would like to appreciate my colleagues Charles, Judy and Elizabeth whom we worked with tirelessly to get the Chapter going. I would also like to appreciate members who have played different roles in working groups such as the Kenya Internet Governance working group, Africa Internet Governance working group, UNESCO working group, World IP vs 6 day working group, Elections committee for organizing this innovative electronic vote and officers from the African Bureau and the Chapter Managers office without their efforts we would have nothing to write about.
We all have a responsibility in ensuring that our country remains a leader in Internet Development on the African continent. However charity begins at home and I urge all of us to join hands and ensure that every Kenyan has access to affordable and quality internet services.
To achieve this I would like to request for your vote so that we can partner in taking the Society to greater heights. Kindly visit www.isoc.or.ke for instructions on how to check in (Vote electronically) and vote for Barrack Otieno
Yes we can :-)
+254721325277+254-20-2498789