November 2011 - skunkworks - Skunkworks Site

Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Daylight Robbery along Southern Bypass - Nairobi
by Dennis Kioko 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

I have pasted the mail done by Lawrence Kago on the Skunkworks list on 19/04/2010 (Thanks Google for 7 GB of storage and search functionality) Thursday afternoon,a friend calls me and asks me to drive his car to a > Garage. > I had to connect from Langata to D.Corner,the shortest route was the new > By-pass...which i never knew was a no go Zone. > > From Langata on the by-pass you can see Kibera very well,i drove along it > and met a black car that was driving into my direction,on seeing me the car > turned and slowed down to pick someone,i was happy to get company(just > in-case the car sticks in the mud)..The driver of the black small station > Wagon(Older versions of Vitz /Daihatsu charade) waved at me and told me > lets go(Judas).I drove 100m and he was lost,i slowed down but couldn't see > him anywhere..n i decided to drive on. > > I passed groups of people who never looked suspicious or even give a look > that am on a dangerous zone..2-3 Kms from where i lost Kibera sight,i saw > some pot holes full of water and had to slow down..5 guys came from the > bush armed with stones and one of them pointed a gun to me(the thought of a > bullet missing/hitting me is still vivid in my mind ,as if it happened),i > thought of reversing the car,or run over them,but too late....I got hold of > an envelope which contained cash(good amount) and threw it under co-drivers > sit.the surrendered with hands up,and got out of the car(1st thought,the > car is gone n 2nd,human trafficking)..they searched me everywhere n found > 150bob(which i think would have angered them even more).They then ordered > me into the boot of the car and was told to "lye flat like a fulls-cap" n > lying down i did,poured some water on me as the car was being driven,asked > me for my ATM and the pin,all along i thought we were headed to the > Bank..one guy on the backseat started on me,"where is the Money" i was > given some serious blows on the head in order to speak..he then asked for a > gun ,but got back with a VERY sharp big looking knife..I spoke,gave out the > position of the envelope ,the colour and the amount..That was a scaring > moment for me."Under the co-drivers seat,a white envelope with bla bla > amount"(I thought i was brave than that)...Anyway the idiots were happy but > one more punch,"Why were u lying to me,where 's the rest of the > money?"..but they read my honesty or were too exited on the figure turned > the car. > > I was told,"Now its time(all along i was saying silent prayers,which i > dint know if they would b the last or the most important in my life) to do > what we do to the rest",toka kuja huku mbele...then they all alighted and > told me to drive but not to forget to tell the Police..What a relief,my > life and the car were spared..Not even a scar. > > I gave 2 guys a lift as i was looking for company,and they told me its > good u surrendered.Pple have died on that road for doubting those guns..and > 5 minutes b4 me another car was car jacked. > > The shock hit me when i tried to think of what would have happened,i don't > think i was shaking but am sure i was now speeding the car(almost 100kph at > hardy road,not very good). > I only got a relief the following Morning... > > > IF YOU CAN,AT ALL COST > 1.AVOID LONELY ROAD. > 2.IF U HAVE BUNCH OF MONEY,SUBDIVIDE IT. > 3.AVOID DRIVING ALONE IF U CAN. > 4.ASK ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE ROADS U DON'T KNOW > 5...........Add to the list and circulate

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Opensource Procurement Toolkit
by Bernard Owuor 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

Bumped on this on the another mailing list. Sorry for cross-posting. http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/open-source-procurement-to…

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Lenovo dealers
by Sharon Hatego 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

Does anyone know of any authorised Lenovo dealer/distributor/repair shop in Nairobi? i need a laptop fixed by professionals

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Co-op Bank
by Tusker 21 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

Hey Skunks, Anyone eva been messed by this bank? They keep telling me its not my signature. I'm my twin brother. Stupid bank, are they victims of fraud or sth? regards, Tusker 21

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Daylight Robbery along Southern Bypass - Nairobi
by rsohan＠gmail.com 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

> > But you still need the police to actually *do* something about either > speeding or robbery. I think that's probably the bigger bottleneck than the > technology. > Sure. But (I assume) it's harder for them to ignore issues when there's visual evidence. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic. I wonder what the position (in law) is of citizen-collected evidence. I would wager it's not supportive but IANAL. > > On 24 November 2011 15:57, rsohan(a)gmail.com <rsohan(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> >> >> On Thu, Nov 24, 2011 at 12:42 PM, Andrea Bohnstedt < >> andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com> wrote: >> >>> Nairobi isn't a very safe place in most areas. >>> >>> Also, cameras will only help both security and road safety if anyone >>> actually does anything with the information recorded. >>> >>> >> [x-post to skunkworks] >> >> Maybe there's a case to be made for a community driven/voluntary CCTV >> network? >> I'd certainly chip in with technical contributions and some money for >> resources. >> >> >> >>> On 24 November 2011 13:40, Harry Delano <harry(a)comtelsys.co.ke> wrote: >>> >>>> Pole for what happened, and thankfully you are well.**** >>>> >>>> **** >>>> >>>> I believe some of the highway cameras will in due time become helpful >>>> in monitoring**** >>>> >>>> and capturing the goings on along some of these stretches. Especially >>>> those mounted**** >>>> >>>> on high voltage KPLC masts alongside the roads will do the job.**** >>>> >>>> ** ** >>>> >>>> I propose as speed cameras are discussed, a security angle of it should >>>> as well be **** >>>> >>>> Introduced/considered, to keep our populace safe. Who is behind this >>>> project..?**** >>>> >>>> In fact we should start by mounting GSM security cameras in places >>>> considered crime **** >>>> >>>> prone.**** >>>> >>>> ** ** >>>> >>>> Harry**** >>>> >>>> ** ** >>>> >>>> *From:* kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke[mailto: >>>> kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] *On >>>> Behalf Of *Philip Adar >>>> *Sent:* Thursday, November 24, 2011 11:24 AM >>>> *To:* harry(a)comtelsys.co.ke >>>> *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >>>> *Subject:* [kictanet] Daylight Robbery along Southern Bypass - Nairobi* >>>> *** >>>> >>>> ** ** >>>> >>>> Who knows when they will ever come calling? >>>> >>>> It is on Wednesday 23rd November 2011, I left office (Ngong Road) with >>>> another appointment at 6pm in Nairobi West. To make it in time, I decide >>>> that Ngong road is not fast enough and clearly remembers the usability of >>>> an alternative "short-cut" route; the Southern Bypass. After all, it is >>>> still daytime. >>>> >>>> As I take my turn into the Southern Bypass, driving towards Langata, >>>> everything seems okay. Several on coming cars are seen. Actually the road >>>> is busy, many vehicles but nevertheless that is good for security and some >>>> great distances are covered pretty fast. >>>> >>>> One little hill done, then valley, then the next hill is approach, >>>> actually now mid way along this route. Suddenly, some vehicle is spotted >>>> parked on the right side of the road, doors wide open. I slow down a bit, >>>> avoiding to hit onto the doors of the other vehicle. Speed is reduced from >>>> an average of 100Km/h to 30 or 40Km/h, and the car is now positioned for >>>> the eventual overtaking. >>>> >>>> Suddenly a youthful Kenyan is spotted doing his nation building duties. >>>> He is standing in the middle of the road, about 30 meters away; with a gun >>>> in hand; pointing towards the on-coming car. I tries a U-turn on this >>>> "loose earth" road, impossible on this narrow road with deep trenches on >>>> both sides of the road . 2 gun shots in quick succession are fired towards >>>> me; and by now I realizes that the road is narrow and the u-turn cannot >>>> work at all. >>>> >>>> Cornered, un-armed and frightened, I surrenders and obeys. I jumps out >>>> of the car and my belly is welcomed flat on the dusty murram road. My feet >>>> landing directly on the muddy waterway on the side of the road. Not >>>> comfortable, but in situations like this; instincts quickly gathers that >>>> you do not complain! My pockets are frisked; the car is run-sacked; >>>> everything is taken away. out of curiosity I peep from under the car over >>>> the other sides and immediately notices a couple of other private cars >>>> (about 5 to 7 in total); occupants (both men women of stature); all sharing >>>> in my predicament on the surface of the murram road. I consoles myself that >>>> after all, it will be many murders, not just one. Something like this may >>>> definitely attract the governments attention to these matters of security. >>>> >>>> In a couple of minutes, the youth group (approximately 5 in total); >>>> invites everybody back to their cars as they dash into the nearby Ngong >>>> forest. In fact they shout thank you's to us for having chosen to travel >>>> this short-cut road without traffic jams and even encourages us to continue >>>> using it in the future. We are reminded that with no resistance, things can >>>> never get bloody... >>>> >>>> Indeed, very nice words for me by now... >>>> >>>> I collects himself from the ground, dusts off a little bit, but most of >>>> the mud is too stubborn. Luckily, the car engine is still running. About >>>> 500 meters from the scene, I notices several vehicles; private cars and >>>> public vans (buses and matatu's) parked on the road waiting for the ordeal >>>> happening just ahead to complete. Of course it is clear that they watched >>>> the whole episode. Some by-standers (about 10 to 15) as well are spotted by >>>> the road side, watching the episode. >>>> >>>> As I continue down the road about 2Km from the robbery scene, I spots >>>> two cops on patrol. I slow down and pulls over to the attention of the two >>>> cops armed to the teeth, each with an AK-47. I narrates the ordeal briefly >>>> and the cops asks for a quick ride to reach the scene and follow the >>>> gun-trotting youths. After all, I have lost so much; I agree to drive the >>>> cops. The car is now a police response vehicle. By now the cops are asking >>>> too many questions: How many were they?, did they have guns?, I heard some >>>> gun shots, was it there!, roughly how many people/cars were there? How much >>>> money did they take from you??? etc. I give rough estimates as we speed >>>> towards the scene, now beaming with confidence. After all, I am protected >>>> with two AK-47's (most probably loaded). The cops promises to get something >>>> back, if not everything, but at least the documents which they are sure >>>> will not be useful for these youthful Kenyans doing their part in the >>>> nation-building business. >>>> >>>> After some distance, I pull over and shows the two cops the presumed >>>> location of the incident, but they refuses to accept this location and >>>> points to some other location some 500 meters ahead. I drives further ahead >>>> and actually realizes that I was confused. The cops who were about 2-3 KM >>>> away from the scene of the incident knows better...!!! >>>> >>>> The cops disembark, heads towards the forest and urges him to proceed >>>> and report the incident at Karen police station. >>>> >>>> * >>>> The morale of the true story: The Southern Bypass in NOT safe anytime, >>>> day or night; with or without the police. Sambaza to your contacts. It is >>>> not an interesting thing to experience. >>>> >>>> Can media highlight such cases publicly on prime time news so that all >>>> Nairobians get to know these unsafe places? If someone could have died, >>>> yes; it could have been on news! We can help others by warning tirelessly, >>>> without surrender... >>>> * >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Regards >>>> >>>> Philip Adar**** >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/andrea.bohnstedt%40rat… >>>> >>>> >>>> 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. >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> >>> Publisher >>> +254 720 960 322 >>> >>> www.ratio-magazine.com >>> Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> >>> Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rsohan%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. >>> >> >> > > > -- > Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> > Publisher > +254 720 960 322 > > www.ratio-magazine.com > Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> > Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php> > > > > >

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Calling Asterisk Consultants
by Edwin Kaduki 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

Hi guys, Please distribute to your networks and respond to the attached RFP. Cheers, Edwin

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Daylight Robbery along Southern Bypass - Nairobi
by rsohan＠gmail.com 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

On Thu, Nov 24, 2011 at 12:42 PM, Andrea Bohnstedt < andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com> wrote: > Nairobi isn't a very safe place in most areas. > > Also, cameras will only help both security and road safety if anyone > actually does anything with the information recorded. > > [x-post to skunkworks] Maybe there's a case to be made for a community driven/voluntary CCTV network? I'd certainly chip in with technical contributions and some money for resources. > On 24 November 2011 13:40, Harry Delano <harry(a)comtelsys.co.ke> wrote: > >> Pole for what happened, and thankfully you are well.**** >> >> **** >> >> I believe some of the highway cameras will in due time become helpful in >> monitoring**** >> >> and capturing the goings on along some of these stretches. Especially >> those mounted**** >> >> on high voltage KPLC masts alongside the roads will do the job.**** >> >> ** ** >> >> I propose as speed cameras are discussed, a security angle of it should >> as well be **** >> >> Introduced/considered, to keep our populace safe. Who is behind this >> project..?**** >> >> In fact we should start by mounting GSM security cameras in places >> considered crime **** >> >> prone.**** >> >> ** ** >> >> Harry**** >> >> ** ** >> >> *From:* kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke[mailto: >> kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] *On Behalf >> Of *Philip Adar >> *Sent:* Thursday, November 24, 2011 11:24 AM >> *To:* harry(a)comtelsys.co.ke >> *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> *Subject:* [kictanet] Daylight Robbery along Southern Bypass - Nairobi*** >> * >> >> ** ** >> >> Who knows when they will ever come calling? >> >> It is on Wednesday 23rd November 2011, I left office (Ngong Road) with >> another appointment at 6pm in Nairobi West. To make it in time, I decide >> that Ngong road is not fast enough and clearly remembers the usability of >> an alternative "short-cut" route; the Southern Bypass. After all, it is >> still daytime. >> >> As I take my turn into the Southern Bypass, driving towards Langata, >> everything seems okay. Several on coming cars are seen. Actually the road >> is busy, many vehicles but nevertheless that is good for security and some >> great distances are covered pretty fast. >> >> One little hill done, then valley, then the next hill is approach, >> actually now mid way along this route. Suddenly, some vehicle is spotted >> parked on the right side of the road, doors wide open. I slow down a bit, >> avoiding to hit onto the doors of the other vehicle. Speed is reduced from >> an average of 100Km/h to 30 or 40Km/h, and the car is now positioned for >> the eventual overtaking. >> >> Suddenly a youthful Kenyan is spotted doing his nation building duties. >> He is standing in the middle of the road, about 30 meters away; with a gun >> in hand; pointing towards the on-coming car. I tries a U-turn on this >> "loose earth" road, impossible on this narrow road with deep trenches on >> both sides of the road . 2 gun shots in quick succession are fired towards >> me; and by now I realizes that the road is narrow and the u-turn cannot >> work at all. >> >> Cornered, un-armed and frightened, I surrenders and obeys. I jumps out of >> the car and my belly is welcomed flat on the dusty murram road. My feet >> landing directly on the muddy waterway on the side of the road. Not >> comfortable, but in situations like this; instincts quickly gathers that >> you do not complain! My pockets are frisked; the car is run-sacked; >> everything is taken away. out of curiosity I peep from under the car over >> the other sides and immediately notices a couple of other private cars >> (about 5 to 7 in total); occupants (both men women of stature); all sharing >> in my predicament on the surface of the murram road. I consoles myself that >> after all, it will be many murders, not just one. Something like this may >> definitely attract the governments attention to these matters of security. >> >> In a couple of minutes, the youth group (approximately 5 in total); >> invites everybody back to their cars as they dash into the nearby Ngong >> forest. In fact they shout thank you's to us for having chosen to travel >> this short-cut road without traffic jams and even encourages us to continue >> using it in the future. We are reminded that with no resistance, things can >> never get bloody... >> >> Indeed, very nice words for me by now... >> >> I collects himself from the ground, dusts off a little bit, but most of >> the mud is too stubborn. Luckily, the car engine is still running. About >> 500 meters from the scene, I notices several vehicles; private cars and >> public vans (buses and matatu's) parked on the road waiting for the ordeal >> happening just ahead to complete. Of course it is clear that they watched >> the whole episode. Some by-standers (about 10 to 15) as well are spotted by >> the road side, watching the episode. >> >> As I continue down the road about 2Km from the robbery scene, I spots two >> cops on patrol. I slow down and pulls over to the attention of the two cops >> armed to the teeth, each with an AK-47. I narrates the ordeal briefly and >> the cops asks for a quick ride to reach the scene and follow the >> gun-trotting youths. After all, I have lost so much; I agree to drive the >> cops. The car is now a police response vehicle. By now the cops are asking >> too many questions: How many were they?, did they have guns?, I heard some >> gun shots, was it there!, roughly how many people/cars were there? How much >> money did they take from you??? etc. I give rough estimates as we speed >> towards the scene, now beaming with confidence. After all, I am protected >> with two AK-47's (most probably loaded). The cops promises to get something >> back, if not everything, but at least the documents which they are sure >> will not be useful for these youthful Kenyans doing their part in the >> nation-building business. >> >> After some distance, I pull over and shows the two cops the presumed >> location of the incident, but they refuses to accept this location and >> points to some other location some 500 meters ahead. I drives further ahead >> and actually realizes that I was confused. The cops who were about 2-3 KM >> away from the scene of the incident knows better...!!! >> >> The cops disembark, heads towards the forest and urges him to proceed and >> report the incident at Karen police station. >> >> * >> The morale of the true story: The Southern Bypass in NOT safe anytime, >> day or night; with or without the police. Sambaza to your contacts. It is >> not an interesting thing to experience. >> >> Can media highlight such cases publicly on prime time news so that all >> Nairobians get to know these unsafe places? If someone could have died, >> yes; it could have been on news! We can help others by warning tirelessly, >> without surrender... >> * >> >> -- >> Regards >> >> Philip Adar**** >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/andrea.bohnstedt%40rat… >> >> >> 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. >> > > > > -- > Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> > Publisher > +254 720 960 322 > > www.ratio-magazine.com > Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> > Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php> > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rsohan%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. >

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doITinKenya
by Kelvin 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

Hello Skunks I love the idea behind doITinKenya <http://www.doitinkenya.co.ke>. I truly pray this project is already bringing us success. Quick question to any Skunk in the know: will they ( doITinKenya ) consider proposals on how to further market our country? Kelvin www.likechapaa.com <http://www.dukapress.com>www.dukapress.org

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Kilgoris Advanced English Aid, Kiswahili Kitukuzwe, Encyclopaedia Ebooks; in Class 3 ?
by Memusi 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

Hey Skunks did we have ebooks in our days or the world is changing.? I hope my fellow Kenyans will not hit that school and steal em' -- Regards Memusi Communication is vital in this century....

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How much should one really pay for Proprietary or Freedom Software? A guide to Kenyan users....
by aki 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

This is going to be a heck of a thread, time to roll up the sleeves? Rgds. -- **--If I ever wrote code on a system for the better of consumer freedoms or choice, I'd rather create the complete system with people who share the same views than give out a single line of code to code thieves who will use it to defeat the principles of freedom and choices---2011--Me--**

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