August 2009 - skunkworks - Skunkworks Site

Re: [Skunkworks] Summary of Meeting with Dr.Ndemo on Tueday at 6 pm
by ndungu stephen 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

Thanks Clement, We can add a few summaries [pls pardon any misquotation, there was alot of info passed and im drawing this frm memory] : -There was a promise by Alex Gakuru/ICT board for support of IT community through a 3 stage funding by the World Bank 1) training for a 1000 software managers - to be determined by a criteria 2) provision for 1,000,000 laptops to kenyans - to be determined by criteria 3) i cannot remember the third point - but it has to do with support of IT/ICT/Development projects [which I would assume includes the support for content generation for local use] *DR. Ndemo* -The digital villages did not take off as expected. The youth despite the urgency to create jobs did not respond to calls for training and taking up ownership/running of the digital villages [the northern part of kenya (that claims to be marginalised) - only 8 participants showed up --- 8 participants !!] -One of the reasons for digital villages was to make available "content" for kenyans through gathering of grassroots statistics like population, facts, economic dynamics - etc - In turn, due to support for electric self sufficiency of these digital villages [solar, wind, etc] - the owners can garner income thru: mobile charging, photocopying, printing government documents [like P3s, job applications for government], hosting workshops, folks can call thru Voip to distant relatives, cyber cafe services - and etc etc (thru such services, the digital village provides justice, reduces corruption, collects information, makes business, creates youth employment) -The current events for building infrastructure like the fibre is inline with the vision 2030 for Kenya. The government cannot help you set up an enterprise - it can only enable you to do so thru such projects as fibre, and creation of friendly policies that protect your intellectual property, enables your work [eg software] to have value, etc etc -The vision 2030 covers 3 main pillars - aside from the popular 'economic' renaissance ->economic pillar ->social pillar - equity [not the 'members' bank] but equal opportunity for all ->political pillar-politics to be issue based, politicians to take risks and not fear lack of re-elections -example - politics based on popularisms e.g passing the "maternity leave for men" bill make politicians popular but affect our economy... *CONTENT* -Dr Ndemo talked about preachers appearing on our own version of 'youtube' so that those of us in diaspora can catch up with home sermons. This also includes those who pretend to work in the office and love the gospel - they can catch up with more constructive episodes online. -The provision of local and accurate videos online for example traditional dances that can be sold to those studying culture. This can be sold ! I know of a Kenyan studying in Japan a few months ago who was hired by a kindergarten school to show the kids an 'african dance'. [pics on facebook] He found a kikoi in a crafts shop that had maasai patterns. Then he and a friend performed an 'isikuti' dance in maasai attire. But how could they ever know the difference ? The kids were quite happy to see an 'African dance'. -We can also throw Kamaru and Mike Rua, Sukuma Bin Ongwaro etc on our own version of youtube and charge subscription for those in 'diaspora' - think USD. 5 dollars for 1000 kenyans for a period = USD 5000 dollars. -In summary the world needs our content - and we need our content -Digitising of government information and putting it online for easy availability. This alone can create numerous jobs and revenue. Dr. Ndemo talked of trying to do a research one day to find out the number of Internet users. He was directed to a mountain of files [am sure you have a picture,,, the dust, the makonge strings, the musky odour] and he was told to look through those. Now imagine if this was searchable through a computer database after categorising and serialising the documents [jobs]. -Registration of phone numbers - to identify a user to a number -Product information online and pricing, aside from availability - eg for pharmacies, electronics etc.. this can save one alot of driving around. -Exams, pass papers, research papers provision online, online assignments - you can charge per download [or per click :) ] thru deals with institutions like the university. Students globally are always repeating the same things we did 15 years ago... why not charge for content provision. -However, Dr Ndemo warned on pricing - charge cheaply and the masses can afford. ksh 2 X 1 million = 2 million. -The problem with some content/services pricing is someone trying to pay their rent/car loan with a few big sales - this discourages buyers, and encourages piracy -Digital TVs - provision of over 1000 channels . This provides a huge market for advertising. I was also thinking - what about building the database ? -The AGOA issue is well covered by Josiah on his blog http://blog.josiahmugambi.com/2009/08/dr-ndemo-skunkworks.html -And yes its true - there is no native word for 'enterpreneur' or 'breaking even' or 'positive productivity' in our languages -Example of some of our decisions : Policies such as land division are flawed. The farmers have subdivided their land so-o much that they are no longer viable to support food for the normal 1 year of crop production -It took some of us 40 years to realize that coffee and tea are no longer profitable [think small scale farming] - we stick to various businesses that barely break - when in reality, their time has passed. [google "the 5 stages of small business" - the last stage is not very good news for those of use with small businesses, but changes do happen and will happen - we need to change too] * **Bret Bullington* Bret is from silicon valley and is on kenya for a while. Joe Mucheru called him a capital venturelist [who could actually fund/promote your ideas]. Bret's short speech advised us not to re-invent the wheel because most of the opportunities we are looking at now have been tried and tested in the USA since the advent of computers in the 70s, the internet bubble in the 80s and now the age of the portability. We should look at what is working else where and try it here. [This reminds me that Japan began as copiers, now they are the leaders.] He advised to borrow ideas and sell them in our own country. For example, he quoted two German brothers whose keeness [is there such a word?] is to 'borrow' new ideas and adapt them in Germany. They took 'facebook' and tried to introduce it in Germany. A television company bought 'their' idea - and they moved on to fetch and adapt another,, and another,,,

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Wifi Accessories
by Job Njogu 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

I will be looking for wifi antennas and access point. Am looking for ubiquiti products preferably the nanostation2, nanostation loco, bullet and antennas to go with the bullets. I need a quote for the products. Thanks i advance -- Regards, Job Njogu Muriuki, Phone: (Orange) +254772333075 (Zain) +254736333075, (Orange fixed plus) +254202360107 Address: 42665 00100 Nrb

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before this gets banned from skunkslist : Toyota Runx Aero :-)
by aki 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

I don't have one but been researching into one for next year, it uses the 2ZZ engine 1800cc that develops 180bhp with either a 6 speed close ratio manual gearbox or 174 bhp with 4 speed auto. The engine is designed by toyota and yamaha. Some weeks ago, I managed to test an toyota altezza beams, whaaa! I think the Runx is nice compared to Toyota IST V V Ti though IST has a better interior and designed for economy. IST uses the 1NZE engine so 1500cc = 105bhp. Anyone with a RunX Aero with 2 ZZ engine, share some thots.... :-) -- Sign on my car is " L " plates : c#.net

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IT Security Administrator
by mike oketch 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

IT Security Administrator *We are pleased to announce the following vacancy in the** **IT Security section within the Information Technology Division.** In keeping with our current business needs, we are looking for a person who meets the criteria indicated below: * *IT Security Administrator* Reporting to the IT Systems Security Manager; the IT Security Administrator will be responsible for the day-to-day security of the Information Technology systems across the enterprise. *Key Responsibilities* - Enabling, ensuring availability and monitoring of external network perimeter security including firewalls, intruder detection systems and event logs. - Formulate, review and implement IT security policy including data encryption, transfer and back up policies. - Administration of Safaricom data centre, business systems, networks and application access controls. - Maintenance of auditable IT systems access records and user documentation. Conducts systems vulnerability assessments. - Ensuring all servers, PC workstations and portable computers have the latest updates of virus protection software. - To conduct user training and awareness on compliance to IT security. - Monitoring of Internet and electronic mail access. - Participate in periodic penetration testing and periodic system audits. - Participate in the evaluation and recommendation of new system and applications from an IT security perspective. - Manage security software licensing and compliance. - Implement Information Security Policies, standards, procedures & minimum baseline standards. - Liaise with internal & external auditors on implementation of information security audits - Develop, maintain and troubleshoot various system security systems including Content filters, firewalls, Antivirus, Network and Host IDS/IPS - Ensure regular updates for all new threats to all technologies implemented in Safaricom - Design and advice on security implementation for all new systems within the technical division. - Design network security in new & existing networks. *Minimum requirements* - A degree in Computer Science or Information Technology from a recognized University. A postgraduate university qualification will be an added advantage. - Minimum of 3 years information security experience - Recognized Professional Security certification e.g. CISSP/SSCP/CISA/SCNP/SCNA/CEH - Must have advanced networking competencies and certification e.g. Cisco Certifications (CCNA/CCSP/CCNP), Checkpoint (CCSA/CCSE) etc… - Experience in the use of vulnerability assessments tools - Experience in Microsoft & Unix/Linux Operating Systems - Good understanding of information security technologies such as Firewalls, intrusion Detection systems and Host intrusion prevention systems, web & content filtering solutions - Excellent oral/ written communication and documentation skills. - Must be a team player with good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills - Must be highly committed, self motivated, confident, enthusiastic and have the ability to perform well under pressure. - Possess the ability to work in a team - Attention to detail and results oriented - Ability to meet strict deadlines. If you feel that you are up to the challenge and posses the necessary qualification and experience please send your *resume* and application letter indicating your experience and why you are the most suitable candidate for the role *clearly quoting the job title* to the address below. The deadline for application is *23**rd** August 2009.* *The Resourcing Manager* *Safaricom Ltd* *Nairobi* *hr(a)safaricom.co.ke*

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Network Management Centre (NMC) Shift Technician
by mike oketch 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

Network Management Centre (NMC) Shift Technician We are pleased to announce the following vacancy within Technical Division. In keeping with our current business needs, we are looking for a person who meets the criteria indicated below: *Network Management Centre (NMC) Shift Technician* *REF: A**NO – NMCST – Aug 09* Within the Access Network Operations Department, the position Network Management Centre (NMC) Shift Technician will be responsible for monitoring the GSM Network Functionality and management of site access. *Key Responsibilities* - Monitoring the functionality of the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network; - Performing first line maintenance, tests and diagnosis of faults; - Ensuring proper site access management (Security); - Ensuring escalation of faults and maintaining records of the same; - Providing technical solutions to escalated subscriber issues from Customer Management department e.g. sim replacement, bar/unbar; - Providing network updates via mail, SMS broadcast and phone. *Minimum requirements* - A degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Telecoms Engineering from a recognized institution; - Basic understanding of PDH, SDH and microwave systems; - A team player with proven organizational skills and the ability to achieve results in a team; - Good communication and interpersonal skills; - Well-developed analytical skills; - Computer literate in MS Office applications and UNIX. *If you feel that you are up to the challenge and posses the necessary qualification and experience please send your resume with your cell phone contact indicating your experience and why you are the most suitable candidate for the role clearly quoting the job title and reference to the address below. Deadline for application is 23rd August 2009.* The Resourcing Manager Safaricom Ltd Nairobi *hr(a)Safaricom.co.ke* <hr(a)Safaricom.co.ke>

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PS Ndemo misled skunkers
by mike oketch 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

skunkers Ati PS ndemo told u guys how KISSTV is the first digital Tv and you guys were wowed and kept banging your head in apprehension? We know that it is wrong to tell off wakubwa in African societies but just the way Raila was telling us to go and remove the kofias in our tarimbos because culture is not static, skunkers must humbly correct the wazees when they are wrong. -- Sent from my mobile device

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Programmer stereotypes
by Peter Karunyu 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

http://codeutopia.net/blog/2009/08/09/the-three-types-of-programmers/ Just came across this very interesting read, 3 types of programmers; 1. The smart-and-gets-things-done programmer 2. The smart programmer 3. The “just a” programmer

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Invitation to Majibu for skunkers
by David Mugo 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

Skunkers, I have to say that this is a very resourceful list and its the reason why most of us still keep subscribed and participating. No matter how many mails I get from skunkworks, I always take a look at what people are saying and keenly follow threads that I have an interest on. Keep the good work up. For the last 3 years I have been working on building a quality question and answer website for Africa and at this time, I can say I feel I am where I wanted to be with it. I have also come up with a short, relevant name. Please give me your view of the site http://majibu.com Also take this as an invitation to participate and assist where need be. If you have questions, post them there as well. To begin with, we are also giving away 3 Blackberry 8100. David. -- ------------- http://majibu.com

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Before advertising cars gets banned: 1 horse power car for sale
by Sammy Njoroge 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

Specs: 2 seater, 1 horse power, 40km/h top speed Description: Fleethorse would like to introduce the "most amazing vehicle so far made in the current millennium". Taken from the word nature and mobile, Naturmobil is a vehicle designed to run with the help of nature, specifically with the natural force of the horse. http://www.fleethorse.com/ http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/08/horse-power/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyYUPv0rx0I I nominate them for Darwin awards

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Freedom of Expression Papers
by Gakuru Alex 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

/FYI ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 8:32 AM Subject: [ke-internetusers] Freedom of Expression Papers To: ke-users <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Dear all There are some interesing papers on Freedom of Expression in the site below. Twaweza Communications has contributed a paper on New Communications Technologies and Freedom of Expression in Kenya which might be of interest to you. Consider posting in your own sites. Here is the link: http://www.freedomofexpression.org.uk/resources/communications+in+the+publi… Regards Kimani _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers

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