- skunkworks - Skunkworks Site

Real-time election transmission
by Jambo Creative 08 Mar '17

08 Mar '17

Hi Skunks, As elections are gearing up, i made an app that allows users participate in mock elections and view the aggregate poll results in real-time. This was mostly a project to prove that real-time election data transmission is possible. Please see below, what the app is all about. Amua is Kenya's first mock election platform that allows you to participate in mock elections by voting for your preferred candidate across a variety of electoral areas and view the results in real-time on the mobile app. You can also view the presidential results in real-time on our website. The app is available for download here --> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devs.prevenes.amua1 <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devs.prevenes.amua> The video on how to use the app is available here --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuRrDYokzzA2 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuRrDYokzzA> Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Regards, Jame

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Fwd: Open Forum : #ShineTheLight on March 8h!
by Barrack Otieno 08 Mar '17

08 Mar '17

Dear Listers, This is for your information and attention. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Lia Kiessling via Internet Society <Mail(a)connectedcommunity.org> Date: Wed, Mar 8, 2017 at 1:28 AM Subject: Open Forum : #ShineTheLight on March 8h! To: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com Hello Open Forum! I can't believe it's been a year since we launched #ShineTheLight! This year the UN has chosen the theme Be Bold for Change... == Please, reply above this line == ------------------------------ Open Forum <https://connect.internetsociety.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer…> #ShineTheLight on March 8h! <https://connect.internetsociety.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer…> [image: Lia Kiessling] <https://connect.internetsociety.org/people/lia-kiessling> Mar 7, 2017 5:28 PM Lia Kiessling <https://connect.internetsociety.org/people/lia-kiessling> Hello Open Forum! I can't believe it's been a year since we launched #ShineTheLight! This year the UN has chosen the theme “Be Bold for Change” so we’re celebrating women who are boosting online trust. These can be women who are building the technology that drives the Internet, to bloggers speaking out against human rights violations, or any number of the millions of women out there who are making the Internet a more inclusive place just by logging on. *How to take part* If you’re on social media, you can share your story using the hashtag #ShineTheLight This year we are also using the tag #ShePersisted <https://twitter.com/hashtag/shepersisted> – a hashtag that’s a great one to follow for conversations on women who are out there and pushing for change. *Here's an example:* I want to #ShineTheLight on @ildasim <https://twitter.com/ildasim> for making sure everyone has a chance to lend a digital hand #ShePersisted More tomorrow and Happy International Women's Day! Lia ------------------------------ kiessling(a)isoc.org Senior Manager, Creative Content Note: replies will be sent to the full discussion group. ------------------------------ *Reply to Sender Online <https://connect.internetsociety.org/communities/all-discussions/postreply/?…>* *View Thread <https://connect.internetsociety.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer…>* *Flag as Inappropriate <https://connect.internetsociety.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer…>* You are subscribed to "Open Forum" as otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com. To change your subscriptions, go to My Subscriptions <http://connect.internetsociety.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions>. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to Unsubscribe <http://connect.internetsociety.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?Use…> . -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Vpn config ..open vpn and pptp vpn
by geoffrey gitagia 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Hi Guys Quick one.. I've configured both open vpn and pptp vpns and both are working well except that whenever the client connects it locks out users.. Now here is the setup Vpn server is on my LAN behind a firewall Client machine is on the cloud Both vpns work Objectives 1. Use my LAN monitoring server to get snmp stats from the cloud server 2. Continue accessing the cloud server outside my LAN via its public ip

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skunkworks Quote: Migrate Mails From Cpanel to Google Apps
by Mary Wabera 06 Mar '17

06 Mar '17

Hi, Update... 500 Email accounts, each email address is about 300 MB Google apps has already been bought. Indicate how many hours it will take to migrate the entire bunch Regards Wabera On Mon, Mar 6, 2017 at 12:00 PM, <skunkworks-request(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: > Send skunkworks mailing list submissions to > skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > skunkworks-request(a)lists.my.co.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > skunkworks-owner(a)lists.my.co.ke > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of skunkworks digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Quote: Migrate Mails From Cpanel to Google Apps (Mary Wabera) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2017 11:37:28 +0300 > From: Mary Wabera <marywabera(a)gmail.com> > To: Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> > Subject: [Skunkworks] Quote: Migrate Mails From Cpanel to Google Apps > Message-ID: > <CAK+rsT+MARD9vknBuHyTabdMsaM+Wo4t9mh67L3OT8h3zr5fNA@mail. > gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hello, > > A friend of mine is looking for someone to migrate his organisation mails > from c panel to google Apps, anyone who can do it please inbox me with a > quote. > > Regards > Wabera >

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Quote: Migrate Mails From Cpanel to Google Apps
by Mary Wabera 06 Mar '17

06 Mar '17

Hello, A friend of mine is looking for someone to migrate his organisation mails from c panel to google Apps, anyone who can do it please inbox me with a quote. Regards Wabera

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EANOG Mailing List...
by Michael Bullut 06 Mar '17

06 Mar '17

Greetings Team, Anyone still using the aforementioned mailing list? Warm regards, Michael Bullut. --- *Cell:* *+254 723 393 114.**Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* *Twitter:* * @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/>* *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/ <http://www.kipsang.com/>* *E-mail:* *main(a)kipsang.com <main(a)kipsang.com>* *---*

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iPhone 6 plus Sim card Tray - Model 1524
by Alvin Ochola 03 Mar '17

03 Mar '17

Afternoon Skunks Anyone with an extra simcard tray for this phone or know where I can purchase one kindly assist. Regards Alvin Ochola Sales Director Greenline Technology Limited -ICT Solutions Cell +254 - 722 - 313923;Watsapp +254 - 722 - 313923;Skype - <alvinochola>

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Government websites
by Oliver Ndegwa 03 Mar '17

03 Mar '17

Hi Listers, Just saw this as a requirement for a website developer in a GOK agency RFP.. ----------- The Lead developer; Qualification and Experience of the Lead Consultant in similar assignment ;; i) At least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in ICT, Computer Science, Web designs or related field with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience; - 15Marks ii) At least a Master’s Degree or equivalent in ICT, Law, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field with a minimum of Five years – 15marks iii) Less than five years’ experience but not below I year - 3marks iv) 10 Extra marks for 15yrs experience in development of Web development for Public organization -10marks (Attach Employment records including length of service and projects handled. -------------------- Like really for a website. or am wrong.. I don't get it Warm Regards, Oliver Ndegwa

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Re: [Skunkworks] Launch of the Digital Gender Gap Audit Scorecard and Workshop for leaders and ICT Industry Stakeholders
by Barrack Otieno 02 Mar '17

02 Mar '17

Listers, The above mentioned meeting is happening now. You can participate remotely through the following link: https://livestream.com/accounts/23663258/iaowirat The meeting is organized by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television with the support of the World Wide Web Foundation, the Embassy of the United States of America and UNESCO. Best Regards -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Safaricom Email
by geoffrey gitagia 28 Feb '17

28 Feb '17

Dear Skunks Anyone having issues with safaricom Emails? My accounts hosted on their email platform were compromised , i told them it's a issue on their side they need to investigate , they have refused and now its a send a test message every hour or so ... Also just read about some banks being hit by ransomware and some 4 million websites hacked.. No details on the above . -- GG

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Nice Article on Disaster Preparedness(or the Lack-of)
by Denis G. Wahome 27 Feb '17

27 Feb '17

Hi, Just come across this from a different forum; https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/02/23/kcl_external_review/ Regards, Denis

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Fw: [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Way Forward
by Walubengo J 27 Feb '17

27 Feb '17

Apologies for crossposting. FYI. walu. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Grace Githaiga via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: Grace Githaiga <ggithaiga(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, February 27, 2017 11:31 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Way Forward #yiv1441484591 body, #yiv1441484591 p, #yiv1441484591 td, #yiv1441484591 div, #yiv1441484591 span{font-size:13px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;}#yiv1441484591 #yiv1441484591 body p{margin:0px;}Thank you so much Steve for taking time to engage with the community. You shared alot of information and I am sure the community will feel free to engage with Safaricom going forward. We applaud all listers who kept the debate alive and asked questions that elicited information that has not been in the public domain. The plan now is that Walu will compile the responses in a report form, but provide an executive summary. The executive summary will form part of the presentation during the cocktail and listers will be free to ask questions that they deem not satisfactory or those that need further clarification. Walu will complete this task in another two weeks. So we are talking of March 10. The cocktail will be held at a date to be announced in due course. So keep it here! Once again, thank you all who participated. This engagement has been valuable. Best regards Githaiga, Grace On Friday, 24-02-2017 at 13:42 Stephen Chege wrote: Dear all Below are the responses to the Supplementary Questions that have been asked following earlier responses. Again, please feel free to ask follow-ups. As mentioned, it has been great engaging with you all. Walu and Grace over to you now for the next steps. regards Steve Machuhi.Good and well thought through responses except bundles expiry... not convincing. If bundles must expire, why not 'convert' them into airtime - you'd still have your revenue assured. Or create an Expired Bundles' Foundation and donate them to a cause of victim's choice. It does feel like theft--Machuhi, thanks for your suggestion. However as I mentioned before, Safaricom is among the few operators that allows customers to “rollover” the expired resources only requiring you to top up your line to reactivate them. Walu@Steve, Still absorbing some of your responses. On affordability of data you wroteOver the last 7 years, the price of data on our network has dropped by 80% for example, in 2010, one GB was Sh2,500 versus the current Sh500. Over the last year, we further reduced the price of data on our network by 37%. We keep on reviewing customer needs and react accordingly where we can. Data in Kenya is relatively more affordable than say South Africa (where 1GB is Sh582), US (where 1GB is Sh1,814) and in the UK (1Gb is Sh1,944).It seems ITU has a different way of looking at affordability. They look at the monthly cost of entry level mobile data (500MB) as a percentage of the country's Gross National Income. So whereas the cost in real terms for data in Kenya maybe equal to or less than what is charged in SA, UK or USA, the Kenyan citizen bears a bigger burden in accessing internet - given our lower income levels. Indeed from the Measuring Info Society 2016 report (pg136). ITU place the mobile data affordability for Kenya at 136 out the 178 global economies surveyed. What’s your take on this? Interesting and valid perspective Walu. However it is also important to take into account the level of development and enabling environment (or lack thereof) of where the network is located. In Kenya, while you can enjoy the same 4G experience as say someone in say in New York, the cost of rolling out services here is prohibitively high as it is not a build-on on existing infrastructure but actual greenfield rollout. The cost of putting up BTS, wayleaves for backhaul fibre, microwave fees, high initial licence fees, spectrum usage fees all of which are paid to the Communications Authority, international access links, security e.t.c I think our prices are competitive when compared to more mature markets that have more embedded infrastructure and which can leverage on pre-existing efficiencies. @Steve: As you prepare to avail feedback on competition questions, kindly address this observation: The management of Airtel has been quoted as attributing their diminished fortunes to the acts/omissions of the regulator and Safaricom: -Has the regulator by any chance shown more affection towards Safaricom than other players? Walu, I think every operator can gripe about what the regulator has done to them or not done for them. I could state the things which we think our regulator has not done to facilitate further growth by Safaricom, but that is not how we operate. I will also not speculate about what the other companies may have said. However I will say that if it is the expectation of any operator that the regulator represents their best chance to make a profit in any market then such an operator is seeking to use regulatory support to achieve the success that it should seek from the market. I firmly believe that it is not the role of any regulator to ensure that any operator makes a profit – that is the role of the market. The regulator’s role is to ensure that all players in the market have an equal opportunity to succeed and the necessary incentives to do so. The market will then decide which operator does and which one does not. Market entry and exit is a feature of competitive markets. What word of encouragement do you have for your industry brothers who would like to be Safaricom at adulthood? Advice “roho safi"Kamotho, we certainly do not see ourselves that way. But one insight that drives our company is the knowledge that Kenya is not a market that readily accepts ‘one size fits all’ solutions – to make it here, you must consistently focus on the customer and provide solutions that meet the unique needs of this market. The other one is investment. If you invest in your network you are likely to grow and this will fuel further investment and more growth. Still wondering if there will ever be an M-PESA app-Sidney OchiengAs mentioned in my earlier response, we are in the advanced stages of trialing an M-PESA App which will be part of the Safaricom App we have already released. Mwendwa KivuvaThanks you Steve for bringing this up. Under which law will CA be implementing a monitoring system on Operators' platforms? As far as my little legal knowledge stretches, any intent to access citizen's private data can only be accompanied by a court order (court of competent jurisdiction they say), and the access cannot be in perpetuity. It can only be for a specific finite task, mostly investigation. I hope CA can also respond to this.Mwendwa, in all fairness I would direct that question to the Communications Authority. I would further add that what I stated earlier was that there should be more robust public debate on the issue. In the current dispensation it is not enough to ‘engage’ the operators alone but the people whose confidential information is affected as well. George Sidney RalakI've been on postpaid since 2013, all that time, I have been receiving 100 Mbs per month, we are now in 2017, is there a way Safaricom can add the amount of bundles it gives to its postpaid customers? 100 Mbs cannot even last one day and to make it worse it, there is no way one can sambaza bundles to a postpaid number. Since I rarely exhaust the voice bundles given to me, maybe there should be a plan to choose which bundles to receive more than the other. Lastly, to those unused voice bundles at the end of every month, instead of just wiping them out, and you don’t carry them forward like you used to anymore, why don't you convert them to Bonga points instead.-There are a number of PostPay plans that are designed to satisfy the various needs of our customers. Our PostPay Advantage team will reach out to you on this query. Going forward, we are preparing an exciting new proposition that will allow you to decide for yourself what you want to do with resources you have purchase from us. Henry(a)article19.orgI am interested in knowing if Safaricom will be publishing any transparency report soon? Secondly, how many government requests for user data has safaricom received in the last five years as disaggregated by year and how many of the requests were acted on positively?Henry, I have touched on this question before but to be clear, we do not get requests from government. Where we do get requests, it is usually in criminal investigations and court proceedings where typically the information sought is call data records. I just have one question for Safcom with respect to Competition. Are they willing to:a) Be split into several independent units? As in make the Mobile money business (MPESA) a separate and autonomous unit from their Voice and Data side of business? b) Open up MPESA service such that if I vuka (migrate) to competition e.g Airtel, I do not lose the MPESA facility?Obviously this would be an affront to their 'stronghold' but sometimes it may spice up the market a bit. This may be necessary considering that their market share lead has not changed much over the last 10years. Which may point to a market failure or maybe they are just clever than everyone else- Walu.Walu, we currently operate in the way we do because, at this point in time, this is how we believe we can best serve customers. Whether or not we operate in a different model should be entirely up to us and based on our own timelines and aspirations. To cite an innovation as the reason why a company should be split up is inimical to the stated objective of any policy or regulatory framework. Secondly, innovations in the technology space move rapidly and what may be considered a standard or accepted way of doing things can be easily disrupted and replaced by the next innovation. Every day we read about new ways of sending money, many of which are network and indeed geography agnostic. Given that, is this talk about forcibly splitting M-PESA from Safaricom called for? What signal does this send to innovators and investors? What is the legality of such a call? Should this be the main focus of regulators/policy makers? Does this help the customer in any way? We cannot develop by cutting our companies into small business units. Our goal as a country should be to grow the SME to big corporations that can compete regionally and globally. Safaricom remains a small player compared to other operators who have continental outlook- MTN, Etisalat. In terms of M-PESA, we think there is enough for everyone. At the present 90 per cent of all payment in Kenya are still done in cash. This is what we need to focus on and we believe, as the Kenya Bankers Association has shown, it can be done through innovation. Note:All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy.http://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Terms_and_Conditions/safaricom_email_terms_and_conditions.pdf Co-Convenor Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) Twitter:@ggithaiga Tel: 254722701495 Skype: gracegithaiga Alternate email: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga www.kictanet.or.ke "Change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged and come together to demand it. I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change – but in yours"---Barrack Obama. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/jwalu%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.

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This problem of certification of video evidence
by Grace B 25 Feb '17

25 Feb '17

Hi good people, Is there anyone here working in tech for rights? When I saw the report that a hate speech case was thrown out because the video evidence presented was not certified, I wondered if anyone has an app that certifies/time stamps pics as they are being taken. This could be among the areas where legal and tech help each other out.... I know there may still be problems with admissibility of such digital certification but is there an app in the first place? -- Grace L.N. Mutung'u Skype: gracebomu Twitter: @Bomu <http://www.diplointernetgovernance.org/profile/GraceMutungu> PGP ID : 0x33A3450F

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 5 Questions (Technology & Elections)
by Walubengo J 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

Thnx Steve for you diligent responses. Its clear Day 5 questions on Technology and Elections were not entirely within the Safcom domain. It would be nice to hear supplementary comments from CA and IEBC on the same (both of whom are able represented on this list). regards. walu. From: Stephen Chege via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: Stephen Chege <SChege(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Sent: Friday, February 24, 2017 1:35 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 5 Questions Dear all Below are the responses to Day 5 Questions. No questions were received for Day 6. It has been great responding to your questions. I look forward to more. regards Steve Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & ElectionsAs we go into the general elections, Safaricom is likely to be one of the Technology providers for IEBC. What are the concerns of users/citizens on this matter? Guideline issues:a) What assurances are there that the results transmitted are safe and secure?b) What are the chances of failure in the transmission system?c) Should the result transmission system be mobile (GSM)-based or should we go Satellite or both?d) Will Safcom play along in the even Government demands an Internet shut-down before, during or after elections? Questions+Comments from Discussions: Ali HusseinWalu Thanks for keeping the conversation going. My questions/comments are:- 1.With Safaricom's wide network could we get a mapping of where the gaps for connectivity are in relation to Polling Stations? It would be great to see which Polling Stations will have limited or no connectivity during the elections so that we can plan to mitigate that eventually now. I believe the Communications Authority would be best placed to respond to this given that they have a holistic picture of coverage from all operators across the country. 2. Would it be asking too much for Safaricom to liaise with USF/CA on the above to better identify the gaps? Safaricom’s network rollout strategy is primarily driven by the need to cover Kenya’s human population and geographic areas that are relevant in achieving that goal. We continuously provide this information to the Communications Authority and have worked with them on the issue of the USF where we have given our feedback as to the best approach to fill in the access gaps. 3. A Internet Shutdown request is a real possibility after media reports quoting DG Wangusi of CA. http://www.iafrikan.com/2017/01/14/the-kenyan-government-will-only-shut-dow… Will Safaricom as a matter of public interest commit to tell the public in case this order is something that must be enforced due to 'National Security' matters? Ali, this is a difficult question for many reasons, not least because an answer either way may position Safaricom as either not being responsive to Government directives or being too willing to comply. I will respond by saying that Safaricom will not do anything that is outside the law with regard to such a request. In addition it has been reported that Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has stated that there is no such intention (http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/2017/01/government-will-not-shut-intern…) and we can all collectively hold the Government to this. Luke OkeloOnce again Thank you kindly Walubengo for moderating this final but not least opportunity to engage with Safaricom 1) I wish to know if using technology Safaricom will make any provision to allow the general public to verify their votes themselves? 2)Is there a web or mobile platform they can provide that allows each individual voters to act as an independent election monitor and check the results based on your polling station where you just voted? 3) Lastly with regards to level of assurance that transmitted results are safe and secure, what encryption standards are Safaricom using to transmit the results? 4) Will the encrypted results be shared with any other transmission machines or will they be tallied in a database at the polling site before final relay to Nairobi? I think as a private and non-biased telecom provider in the upcoming elections, its most probable for Safaricom to build capacity to monitor the digital footpath of the votes both from a security point of view as well as transmission point of view, This will allow for forensic audit and verification later on in case a dispute arises Luke, I would say that these questions are premature as we have not been contracted by any entity at this point in time to participate in any capacity in the upcoming elections. Walu JI would add another question: Assuming Safcom will be main transmission provider for the presidential results, what plans do they have in place in case Al-Shabaabs hit their masts on d-day? Ama we just go manual as per the provisions of the revised law? Walu, we cannot make that assumption andipso facto I respectfully decline to speculate on this issue. Rosemary KoechDear Listers, My query is in regards to data protection and privacy in regards to the use of Safaricom users telephone numbers. There have been several instances of text messages and calls from political aspirants. How does Safaricom protect our data especially the data we give at registration and during m-pesa transactions? How does Safaricom protect the treasure trove of data it has in regards to Kenyans? Kind regards, Rosemary, I responded to an almost identical question in some detail earlier in the session, please let me know if you have further queries. I would however hasten to add that there are many places where we expose our mobile numbers and which are not a secure as they should be kept. All of us give our names. ID numbers and mobile numbers to security guards when we access many buildings, shops, malls, etc. We have no idea how those books with all our details are stored and secured, if at all. I believe that any person collecting what may be considered confidential information should be under an obligation to deal with it in a particular way. Grace Bomu@Walu, as far as I can tell there is no direct law under which the Internet can be switched off. But there could be other views on the matter. My question to Safaricom is what they would do in the event that they were directed to shut down the Internet in part or in whole. Would they honour such a request? And Since you raised the issue of the law, it would also be interesting to know whether there is anything in Safaricom's licence agreement that requires Safaricom to assist the state for national security or public order reasons. I am asking this in comparison with MTN Uganda which told its customers that it had complied with the shutdown directive from the Regulator in compliance to such a condition in the license agreement. Regards, Grace, our operating Licence does not have specific provisions to shut down any services. In the past, Section 88 in KICA allowed the Minister of Internal Security to among other things, take temporary possession of telecommunication systems. This section was repealed and no similar provision has been put in place since. Edwin KiamaWalu, I would indeed be very interested in what Safaricom would do if requested by GoK to; 1. Listen in to my calls & texts, install a snooping app in my phone, use the network layer to turn on my mike and camera even when my phone is off. 2. Jam the signal in my neighborhood for whatever reason. 3. Shut down the internet in a particular area or the whole country. Regards, Edwin Kiama Edwin, Safaricom is a public mobile network and cannot undertake any of the functions you have cited. It should also be known that a number of institutions operate network jamming devices which are outside the control of mobile operators and if these are deployed, it should not be assumed that any operator has shutdown services. Boniface WatibaI see great questions raised from the listers' threads. Just to delve in... 1. Will Safaricom give in to "orders from above" requiring the Internet to be shut down on August 8th?2. In the event that Safaricom gives in, how do you plan to "compensate" for the losses incurred? Boniface, please see my response to Ali above which I believe addresses your questions. Note:All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy.http://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Terms_and_Conditions/safaricom_email_terms_and_conditions.pdf _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/jwalu%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.

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WhatApp Stories
by Paul Njoroge 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

What do you think will be the impact of the above, I'm thinking a Gikomba mama who has never heard of Snapchat or Instagram but gets to announce her new arrivals, such a win! -- Its all in the </head> Best Regards, Paul Njoroge. <https://twitter.com/#%21/p_njoroge> *Skype: njorogepaul*

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Concept: Consumer-to-Business for direct bank-to-bank payment system
by Isaac Kiplagat 23 Feb '17

23 Feb '17

Skunks, Since the recent disruption of traditional banking by mobile banking, I have been a keen follower of the technological development around banking sector and especially the concept of *Pesalink *recently launched by IPSL (This died as soon as it was launched). I know, this space offers unlimited opportunities. Kindly read through my concept and, if befits your position, share your expertise, regulatory and business opinions around this. Feel free to share anywhere/anywhere. Kind Regards, Isaac Kiplagat [image: Inline images 2]

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Android Mobile Developer
by Sharon Anyanga 23 Feb '17

23 Feb '17

Good afternoon, @iLabAfrica Strathmore University is organizing a two month training for Android Mobile Development. During this period, the facilitator will focus on purely application development in android after which the students will be will be required to build an application of their choice on the android platform. The training is scheduled to start on the 6th March to 28th April. The month of May will be used to do the project and assessment. The course costs Ksh. 45,000. The classes will be in the evening from 5:30PM to 8:30PM daily. Please find attached our brochure for more details. Use the link below to register for the course. http://bit.ly/2ktTbpm -- *Kind regards,Sharon Warinda* *Research Scholar* *@iLab Africa, Strathmore University.* -- *Note: *All emails sent from Strathmore University are subject to Strathmore’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here <http://www.strathmore.edu/en/email-policy> to read the policy. "Visit our Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/StrathmoreUniversity>Page and Twitter <https://twitter.com/StrathU>Account".

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Vpns
by pink panther 23 Feb '17

23 Feb '17

Morning skunks I need assistance on how to link 2 offices together. Any help with the above will b highly appreciated Regards George

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JOB OPPORTUNITY: SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING EXPERT
by William kibe 22 Feb '17

22 Feb '17

Good afternoon if you know someone who has the following qualifications please tell them to forward their CVs to me offline. Requirements. 1: Degree or Diploma in Mass communication 2: Demonstrable social networking experience and social analytic tools knowledge. 3: Background in leads generation and follow-up to closure. 4:Social media understanding from Youtube,Facebook,Twitter 5: Understanding in HTML and webdesign in general will be an added advantage. 6:Has knowledge in Google adsense 7: Generate, edit, publish and share daily content (original text, images, video or HTML) that builds meaningful connections and encourages community members to take action8 8: Self starter. Regards Kibe William

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] FYI - Joint statement by 50 orgs on proposal to require social media passwords at US border
by Barrack Otieno 22 Feb '17

22 Feb '17

Listers, For your information and attention. Circulate widely ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dan York <york(a)isoc.org> Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:50:11 +0000 Subject: [Internet Policy] FYI - Joint statement by 50 orgs on proposal to require social media passwords at US border To: Internet Policy External <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> FYI, today the Internet Society joined with 50 other organizations to issue a joint statement expressing concerns about a proposal to require disclosure of social media account passwords as a condition of entry to the U.S.: https://cdt.org/insight/no-to-dhs-social-media-password-requirement/ We published our own companion statement as a post from our President and CEO Kathy Brown: https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/public-policy/2017/02/internet-society… That has been shared on our @InternetSociety social media channels at: https://twitter.com/internetsociety/status/834044479501959169 https://www.facebook.com/InternetSociety/photos/a.10150120109253239.254763.… https://plus.google.com/+InternetSociety/posts/92XyJvx4yzk Additionally, we also published a supporting post explaining more about why social media accounts are of such a great concern: https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/tech-matters/2017/02/danger-giving-soc… We will be circulating that on our social channels as well. Any assistance with amplifying these messages on social channels would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Dan -- Dan York Senior Manager, Content & Web Strategy, Internet Society york(a)isoc.org<mailto:york@isoc.org> +1-802-735-1624 Jabber: york(a)jabber.isoc.org<mailto:york@jabber.isoc.org> Skype: danyork http://twitter.com/danyork http://www.internetsociety.org/ -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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OT: Shipping items to South Africa
by Kisakye Alex 21 Feb '17

21 Feb '17

Greetings all, Can anyone recommend a shipping company I can use to ship equipment from Nairobi to Jo'burg? thanks Alex

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 4 Questions (Waiting for Day 5 Responses on Tech & Elections)
by Walubengo J 20 Feb '17

20 Feb '17

Hey Listers, Looks like we got deep into the alleged CA spying that we forgot to wrap up the above. @Steve, Thanx for Day4 responses but can we have the final Day 5 Responses today? I believe this was on Technology and Elections. regards. walu.nb: This does not ofcourse stop us from discussing other important matters. I suppose we can all 'chew gum while walking' :-) From: Stephen Chege via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: Stephen Chege <SChege(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Sent: Friday, February 17, 2017 1:48 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 4 Questions Dear all Below are the responses to Day 4 Questions. Only a few questions were asked on that day. regards Steve Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 4 of 6 (Thursday):-Infrastructure & Universal AccessGuideline: Safaricom continues to expand its network beyond urban areas. What has been your experience of Safaricom services in semi-urban and rural areas of Kenya? a) Rural area:-Voice quality, InternetAccess(bandwidth), Mobile Money (MPESA) b) Safaricom contributes to the Universal Service Fund to extend communications to underserved areas- how has this impacted your rural communities c) The government has the National Optical Fiber Infrastructure, to what extend does Safcom use/not use it and why?d) To provide services to under-served areas, the Universal Service Fund has been provision with Safaricom being the largest contributor, how effective is this fund? It's a mix of questions and experiences. Floor is open till midnite today on this one. Lets hear you views. Questions+Comments from Discussions: Barrack OtienoHi Walu, 1. What is Safaricoms policy on Infrastructure sharing?, my question regards Community ISP's that may want to piggy back on its masts. What are the charges and guidelines? Thanks Barrack, this is a very good question. Safaricom supports infrastructure sharing and we have been hosting (and being hosted) on our competitors infrastructure since we began operations in 1999. Currently we share our towers, BTS rooms, power, fibre and other network elements with our competitors and other organisations.Safaricom shares infrastructure with Airtel, Telkom Kenya, Multichoice, KWS, KBC, Wananchi, JTL, PANG, Liquid Telecom, Access Kenya and many more. Having said that we believe that all licensees have the obligation of investing and building their networks as required under their licence conditions. Going back to your question – yes, we’d be able to host community ISPs depending on what elements they want to share which would also determine the cost. This would also be contingent on the ISPs compliance to statutory licences and regulations. Rosemary KoechMy query is in regards to the quality of data and voice the quality heavily deteriorates just past major towns and cities. Is there a plan to ensure better service delivery?Rosemary, we keep this issue top of mind. As you would expect, urban centres tend to have more density when it comes to network coverage to cater for the higher population numbers, however your experience should not be any worse once you leave the major town or city as our coverage is designed to seamlessly cover the majority of the land mass. It would be good if you could share locations for us to review.We have contracted independent consultants P3 to continuously monitor our network performance and take random drive tests to ensure that we continue to connect our customers. In rural areas, we have embarked on a rollout plan that will see us reconfigure our network to better serve rural customers in the future. Kevin KamonyeDo you have/ have you had plans to roll out services in other countries. What are/were the challenges experienced. I think the current Kenya-only limited market share and the demands of better margins from investors could be the key reason that we are always feeling the pinch of your pricing. Also, it seems like am getting congestion along Naivasha Rd; calls sometimes take a while to connect or they do so without any ringing tone. More people are moving into the area, kindly see what to do about this and even better 3G (at least) coverage. KevinWe are currently only licensed to operate in Kenya and so we cannot share experiences of rollout in other countries at this time. However, as mentioned in a separate response to Sidney and a few others, we currently offer the most compelling pricing for data and voice services and remain the top investor in Kenya in terms of mobile infrastructure to enable us continue to provide cutting edge technologies to our customers.Our technical team is investigating the Naivasha Road issue. Grace BomuI have seen Safaricom branded trenches in satellite towns such as Kiserian but we are yet to get broadband or services such as Safaricom box. Was the fibre exclusively for the security contract?Grace, you’re right the trenches you have seen are part of our rollout project to deliver fibre in Kiserian. Once we finish in lay the infrastructure our team will return to do the last mile connectivity making it available to end users. For now the concentration has been on getting the fiber to the town.On the Big Box, this should be available to you. You can buy the decoder from any of our retail shops for Sh4,999 and have the team set it up for you. Seehttp://www.safaricom.co.ke/TheBigBox/ for more information on the box. Racheal NakitareWe know Safaricom contributes to USF, but how is the same ploughed back to open up our underserved areas? Has Safaricom attempted to apply for the same funds to improve our poor infrastructure especially in peri urban and rural areas. Are we eligible? Kind regards Racheal. Racheal – We had answered this question in some length in earlier answers, do let me know if you need any more clarification beyond that response. Note:All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy.http://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Terms_and_Conditions/safaricom_email_terms_and_conditions.pdf _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/jwalu%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.

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Fwd: [kictanet] Invitation: Hacks/Hackers Nairobi Meetup, Wed 22 Feb, 6 - 8 pm, Nairobi Garage, Ngong Rd.
by Barrack Otieno 20 Feb '17

20 Feb '17

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Florence Sipalla via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2017 11:32:41 +0300 Subject: [kictanet] Invitation: Hacks/Hackers Nairobi Meetup, Wed 22 Feb, 6 - 8 pm, Nairobi Garage, Ngong Rd. To: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com Cc: Florence Sipalla <flo(a)codeforkenya.org> Topic: Think Before You Post! Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2017 Venue: Nairobi Garage, Ngong Road, Piedmont Plaza, 4th Floor Time: 6 – 8 pm Today, many people can easily access the internet either on their cellphones, through free Wi-Fi at educational institutions or workplaces. The thousands of cyber-cafes that have come up in most urban and some rural areas have also increased internet access. Access to digital media technologies means that everyone can now become a publisher (blog) can create and distribute radio (podcast) and TV (video) far and wide especially through social media platforms. But how many people think of the risks they face when they click that button to share some interesting content they have come across or have created? There have been reports in the media of people being arrested <http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2016/04/08/blogger-david-zawadi-arrested-for…> because of what they post online and others have lost their jobs <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/22/pr-exec-fired-racist-tweet-ai…> as a result of statements made online. When journalists publish online, they are bound by their code of ethics. What issues should other netizens take into consideration before posting information online? Our guests for the February session of Hacks/Hackers Nairobi #HHNBO will help us address the following questions: 1. What ethical considerations do I need to make before posting online? 2. What are the legal ramifications of what I post online? 3. Do my posts pose a risk to my personal security? In addition, Code for Africa will showcase tools to track deleted tweets. Guest speakers: Henry Maina – Article 19 <https://www.article19.org/pages/en/east-africa.html> Grace Githaiga – Kictanet <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> Hacks/Hackers Nairobi is a forum where journalists and techies meet on a monthly basis to discuss issues that affect their work. Speak out! Let your voice be heard! To participate in the conversation, please sign up here <http://bit.ly/2kx7IA4> and share the invite widely. Follow us on Twitter <https://twitter.com/hhafrica> and Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/HacksHackersAfrica/>. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Banks unveil own mobile money transfer platform: Pesalink
by Job Muriuki 18 Feb '17

18 Feb '17

While we have all been worried by mpesa dominance could Pesalink <https://www.youtube.com/user/businessdailyafrica?feature=iv&src_vid=dTSf7VW…> be a forminable rival to it? Regards, Job Muriuki, Skype: heviejob

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 3 Questions (innovations/innovators)
by Walubengo J 17 Feb '17

17 Feb '17

Thnx Steve. Day 3 was on innovations...so al the innovators out there. Hope u spare time to read this and react (if need to). walu. From: Stephen Chege via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: Stephen Chege <SChege(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Sent: Friday, February 17, 2017 1:30 PM Subject: [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 3 Questions  From: Stephen Chege Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 17:56 To: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Cc: 'Grace Githaiga' Subject: "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 2 Questions Dear all Below are the responses to Day 3 Questions. Apologies, I was not able to send these yesterday. regards Steve Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 3 of 6 (Wednesday) :-Innovators, Innovations & SuppliersGuideline: Safaricom has been quite innovative and keeps coming up with new ways of doing things. As an innovator/developer/supplier, tell us your experiences with regard to Safaricom Innovation as well as their procurement ecosystem. a) Is their development platform and application programmable interface (API) sufficiently open?b) Are the issues to do with Intellectual property /Patents/Procurement clear and adequate?c) Whereas the gain-sharing agreements are private and confidential, how can they be made better?d) What is Safcom take on Bitcoin/Blockchain technologies? Questions+Comments from Discussions: Luke OkeloGood morning all. Thank you Mr.Walubengo for the good moderation so far much appreciated My question is what is the number of annual incidences/cases reported involving mpesa fraud? And are they ever resolved successfully? Secondly If I am carjacked in a matatu as often happens to passengers here, can Safaricom introduce a red flag system where I can discreetly notify relevant authorities that I am withdrawing from my mpesa account under duress? That is to say a silent alarm to raise awareness that there is a crime taking place, and maybe even remotely use my phone GPS location service so that I can be tracked and the culprits apprehended in the act? Blocking the mpesa account at such a sensitive time may not be too wise as the thieves may end a victim's life accusing him/her of non-cooperation Thank you kindly Luke, the different types of fraud that you see across the M-PESA platform ranging from social engineering to outright theft are viewed as crimes, and so these matters are referred to the Police. Safaricom is able to support with investigations where necessary. As ICT practitioners, we are aware that many of the new threats to security will come via these which platforms which we increasingly interact with every day. On our part we continuously educate customers and agents at regular intervals on the emerging threats so that they can protect themselves. Law enforcement personnel should also be trained to deal with and be able to prosecute crimes in this area. K.MachuchiGood coverage. Can we fit in Safaricom's attitude/ policy towards its existing and prospective suppliers. a) existing: payment for goods/ services provided.b) respect for supplier IP and remedies in case of breach by staff.c) prospective: artificial barriers and how they can eliminate/ minimize corruption in procurement. We are committed to growing Kenyan businesses and offer preferential support to innovative local businesses. We also invest heavily in building local expertise in the critical mobile sector – and this includes everything from partnering with local universities to create the relevant curriculum to deliver ready for market engineers to enabling the growth of the small business owner.We currently work with 830 local companies who form 84 percent of our supply chain.We have many examples, but companies such as Linksoft, Broadband Communications, Netsol and Adrian (who started literally from scratch years ago) have now grown on the back of Safaricom’s business to become multi-nationals operating across several countries in East and West Africa.In 2015 we commissioned KPMG South Africa to undertake a “True Value Study” i.e. to examine the true impact of Safaricom in Kenya’s economy. This study found that the value that Safaricom created for the Kenyan society in one year (2015) was estimated at around 10 times greater than the actual financial profit the company made in the same period. This was measured in actual impact on small Kenyan businesses who now exist solely because of Safaricom.At Safaricom we have an open invitation to any supplier who wants to be considered for business with us in a relevant areas. That is why we have published on our website, comprehensive information on how to do business with us. In addition, the applications for pre-qualification are all done online on a robust platform which has automated much of the evaluation and scoring with a fully auditable document trail. See http://www.safaricom.co.ke/about-us/suppliers.We absolutely will not work with any companies that have known track records for unethical behavior, nor do we participate in such behavior on our part. Mildred AchochGood morning everyone, Thank you to the KICTANET moderators and Safaricom for this opportunity to engage. First, I would like to echo Grace B's sentiments. Thank you Safaricom for being in almost every part of Kenya. It goes a long way in assuring me that you guys will be around for a long time. Secondly, kudos for being one of the first companies in Kenya to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals) Regarding the fact that you are in almost every part of Kenya, my question is: is there a way you can partner with Kenyan filmmakers to promote Kenyan films and series/web series? I applaud innovative initiatives such as Skiza tunes and Blaze. These say to me that similar initiatives can be implemented to promote Kenyan filmmakers. Media convergence is already here with us; as a market leader, Safaricom should be at the forefront of innovative initiatives related to this.Stephen Njoroge Mildred, this is an important area of focus for Safaricom as we focus on growing our youth and their talents. The creative economy is one of the fastest growing incorporating music, dance, film and other creative works. The question on film makers is particularly interesting to us as they produce content which Safaricom can make available to our customers in the same way we provide Skiza tunes. Specifically, for film content we require a broadcasting licence from CA. Safaricom has identified this opportunity and in February 2015 we put in an application for broadcasting licence to enable us to carry this kind of content. In August 2015, our application was published in the Kenya Gazette. However to date Safaricom has not received this licence from the Communication Authority. The last we heard from the Communications Authority was in in October 2016 when we were informed that they could not give us the licence until the Dominance Report was released, although this came a year after our application.Nonetheless we want to play in this space as we have a good understanding of what the market wants, we are willing to invest in a platform that can allow consumers to access short-form or even full length films on-the-go for content producers and do our part for the creative economy. But for now we are waiting to hear from CA. We believe the Kenyan market is ready for fully converged multimedia services and we look forward to providing this to our customers and creating this new market for Kenyans content producers. Stephen NjorogeHi John and Listers a) Is their development platform and application programmable interface (API) sufficiently open? ANS: NO!. compared to what is the standard with the like offacebook to have a developers portal (https://developers.facebook.com) and Equity/Equitelportal very easy to use (https://developers.equitybankgroup.com/apis)and https://developer.pesapal.com/ etcsafaricom does not have this well documented and you have to make a number ofguess emails most often to the wrong department or person, Something that couldtake hours ends up taking weeks and sometime months. One get the impressionthat safaricom is under staffed or the staff are just ignoring your email butit not that bad this days I was give a call account manager that is quitehelpful sometime I don’t need to email Ijust call her up.. and things are done.. I think she got the job because of her voice. Stephen, with regard to our API framework I mentioned that we are aware that it is not working as well as it can and that we have already taken steps to rectify this with the help of a world class vendor. We expect that the new API framework will be ready in the coming months. If you are agreeable I would be happy to propose you to “test-drive” the new API. Let me know. b) Are the issues to do with Intellectual property/Patents/Procurement clear and adequate?ANS: Lot of grey line in this but safaricom based competition is very clear on this outlining ownership and all.I am not clear on what the question is here but I will state that Safaricom recognises that good implementable ideas are rare to find and should therefore be protected by their owners. We have provided this and other help to Innovators in our innovation Portal and continue to engage with developers on this basis. c) Whereas the gain-sharing agreements are private and confidential, how can they be made better? ANS: I think safaricom is NOT in the business of sealing ideas but Most employees being Kenyan have a keen eye on opportunities.. other employees have vested interest in competing businesses and will lock you up new idea to be launched where they can eat from..I think having applications to be view-able by more than one employee in the business would help but I would recommend you pray very very hard and if possible fast for 40 days before sharing with this guys in private I believe that this is covered above through the zero tolerance policy we have towards infringement. d) What is Safcom take on Bitcoin/Blockchain technologies?ANS: If bitcoin gained high traction that I would be in a position to purchase sukuma from the kibanda via bitcoin other operators would come toraise at the expense of the home currency just as we don’t trade in gold andgold is represented in reserve via the currency notes, we would trade inbitcoin represented in Kenya currency.. I don’t see M-Pesa in the Picture pastthe currency loading yet they want you to Lipa Na M-Pesa kokote.. but may be amother thinking.. To answer the question Safaricom is more some reason againstbitcoin and has show this by not supporting bitcoin based startups Stephen, regarding Blockchain; the underlying technology behind BitCoin and other cryptocurrencies promises many interesting opportunities where trust is a premium, consensus desired and privacy a must. The distributed ledger could radically alter transaction flows, potentially eliminating intermediaries and reducing or reassigning costs. Without clear, mainstream support from regulators/authorities, it is difficult to see how BlockChain will deliver its full potential. Safaricom continues to monitor this technology and if supported by regulatory approvals, will consider to implement it where it is feasible. Specifically on BitCoin; I think the use of BitCoin or other cryptocurrencies is a much more complex and possibly riskier proposition. For Safaricom, being a licensed mobile money operator, we are unable to experiment with our customers’ money and ignore the clear direction given by our regulator the Central Bank of Kenya (https://www.centralbank.go.ke/uploads/banking_circulars/2075994161_Banking%…) The use of any unregulated, unmanaged, alternative currencies does not come without significant risks. The brief history of BitCoin is a clear example of this. According to Forbes, the past six years has seen 48% of BitCoin exchanges fail, some with enormous losses for customers. It is likely that the use of cryptocurrencies will, in the future become more stable and receive regulatory approval at which point Safaricom will be a ready adopter. Ahmed Mohamed MaawyI will ask 2 questions as a Solutions Architect myself: 1)- As a solutions developer, Safaricom does not provide its platform openly to allow 3rd party integration as does other service providers. And even if some lucky 3rd party do it, the flexibility to implement the solution to meet a diverse set of needs is quite limiting. Somehow makes a lot of us feel as if the payment solution is a "premium access" product available to specific players.The Safaricom API is not a convenient way out of it. Bootsrapping a solution around the API itself requires dedicated develper(s). For instance, stripe payments makes payment gateway integration part of the process not a separate development process. Where is the guarantee (legally binding) also that I can deploy freely a solution based on your payment platform without it being replicated?Thanks Ahmed. Please see my previous responses regarding our API and the planned redevelopments. In addition, let me know if you would like to take be part of the team to review it before we launch. Walu J@Ahmed, Do you mind clarifying a few things. I take it that you agree that Safcoms APIs are not too open. Particularly the payment solution. I presume that would be the MPESA platform which seems limited or restricted to some chosen few developers. Further you say that solutions built around the MPESA APIs are not scaleable to other domains and you seem to suggest a better option out of this. What would this option be? Are you suggesting that rather than trying to plug into MPESA through APIs, MPESA should be released and sold as a module that developers can plug into just about anything they need to - and pay royalties to Safcom on per use basis? Walu, Please see my previous responses regarding our API and the planned redevelopments. The initial design was not as good as we expected it to be and to be clear it was not designed to be closed or to make it difficult for developers to work with. This is counterintuitive as we would want M-PESA to be embedded in as many services as possible. The redevelopment I have mentioned here is going to smooth out those issues and help it become an easy to use interface that it should be. Ahmed Mohamed Maawy Firstly, M-Pesa is definitely being hailed as a global disruptive innovation. This means one thing only. It needs to act so. My response will be simple. This is where I expected M-Pesa would be today with an open all inclusive model:https://stripe.com/Ahmed your comment is well noted. Grace BomuMaybe we should ask the question, what is Safaricom's innovation model? Does it see itself as providing a platform for others to play and (hopefully create solutions) or is Safaricom also a player in the game or a hybrid? I would hope that Safaricom envisions itself providing a space for limitless innovation especially for social good. To arts and culture, I admire the work that Safaricom has done- from the beautiful calendars and adverts to music festivals. I however cringe when there are disputes involving the company and artistes and I hope that the issue of revenue sharing has been resolved. Has it been resolved? I wonder if Safaricom has exploited use of tech and its platforms in this cause. I echo Mildred's plea.You’re right Grace, Safaricom is both an innovator and co-innovates with others. In fact we increasingly describe ourselves as a platform. We see the company as being an enabler of several solutions that can transform lives across a growing number of industries such as the health sector, education, agriculture and financial services. We aim to provide these solutions in partnerships with others – we recognise that we do not have all the answers and these cross-industry pairings can drive more transformation than if each decided to go it alone. So expect more from us on that front.To your question on artists and royalties – this is an issue I take personal interest in. Safaricom has been one of the biggest corporate sponsors of Kenyan arts, having been involved in various music events over the years including Niko Na Safaricom Live, Safaricom Classical Fusion, Groove With Safaricom, Safaricom Youth Orchestra, Safaricom Choir and the Safaricom International Jazz Festival.Out of a desire to see local artists grow and earn from their craft we launched the digital music platform SKIZA in 2009. SKIZA is a ring-back tone service that allows your callers to listen to selected tunes from your favourite artists. The SKIZA platform is run by Safaricom, but the day-to-day management of the content is done by known as Content Service Providers (CSPs) who are licensed by the Communications Authority. For artists to put up their music for sale on SKIZA, they have to go through these providers, who review the content to ensure it meets our guidelines before listing it in our database.As I’m sure many of you are already aware, 2015 and 2016 were a bit challenging for us, as a result of multiple court cases and injunctions that forced us to hold back over KES 152 million in artists’ royalties while we waited for a resolution to the dispute between the CSPs and the Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), which include the Performers’ Rights Society of Kenya, Music Copyright Society of Kenya and Kenya Association of Music Producers. Though the issue was eventually resolved and the monies paid out, what we would like to see is a more unified approach to growing the industry.I could say more, but let me leave it there for now. John KietiGood afternoon, My take on Safaricom and the innovation ecosystem / community is that although they have evolved slowly, Safaricom has contributed significantly and positively to our collective innovativeness as an economy. That we have moved beyond demanding an API for Mpesa and now we are talking about the API's openness is progress.That Safaricom's Spark Fund has invested in Sendy and other startups is laudable. That Safaricom entered useful partnerships with for likes of iCow, EnezaEducation, and Craft Silicon (Little Cabs), Mledger (acquisition) and many other startups must not be downplayed. That Safaricom gave free bandwidth to iHub for several years and sponsored activities at iLabAfrica is laudable. That said, I would wish Safaricom embraced open innovation and co-entrepreneurship more. For instance it was quite short sighted the way Safaricom flexed its muscle on Kipochi / Kopokopo, and BitPesa / Lipisha Consortium with regard to the BitCoin gateway for M-Pesa top ups and withdrawals. If I were them, I would embrace these startups and others building on block chain technology to further disrupt the Financial Services sector.It does not make sense for Safaricom / Mpesa to embrace the plastic card technology side of FinTech as they are doing with the M-Pesa card while frustrating the block-chain side. By and large let us give credit where its due. Safaricom has truly pushed the limits of innovation to increase value for its shareholders who include our Government. They just need to do more to figure out an ecosystem / collaborative approach to innovation. If they do that, we shall collectively and successfully attack the global marketplace for gains to our national economy. Just my 20 cents. Thank you John, your comments are well noted. With regard to the M-PESA plastic card; we have done research on this and we think it might be useful in some areas of the economy which we plan to explore. We will still continue to innovate and develop around the mobile device as our primary outlet. Ali HusseinWalu Thank you for keeping this conversation going. This in my humble opinion is where Safaricom scores a D- for me. There has been alot of (albeit unsubstantiated) complaints from the Startup Ecosystem of how difficult it is to work with Safaricom when it comes to:- 1. APIs and Integrations with other players especially when it comes to MPesa. There are even cases where people have claimed that Safaricom has acted like a Big Bully. Again unsubstantiated. This is obviously a case of where Safaricom needs to be very cognizant of the role they play in uplifting the Innovation Ecosystem in Kenya and Africa. Did Safaricom hound BitPesa out of Kenya?<http://www.coindesk.com/safaricom-and-bitpesa/> Ali, regarding the API I have given our position in previous responses above and before. The message has come through loud and clear and we are working to fix it. Did Safaricom hound BitPesa out of Kenya? <http://www.coindesk.com/safaricom-and-bitpesa/> Ali, this matter is in court with Safaricom having been sued by Bitpesa and as such I may not be able to say much. I can however say that Safaricom’s decision not to allow encashment of cryptocurrencies through our M-PESA network is based on guidance by the Central Bank of Kenya which we believe applies to all financial institutions. As a CBK licensee we cannot disregard guidance from our Regulator hence our position. (http://www.nation.co.ke/business/CBK-warns-against-use-of-Bitcoin/996-29975… , http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Central-Bank-of-Kenya-warns-of-Bit… ) 2. Its an accepted fact that working with the MPesa API is not a walk in the park. They need to be take a CrowdSourcing Approach to this. To be fair this has improved tremendously in the last few months. However, I believe there's room for improvement. Ali, regarding the API I have given our position in previous responses above and before. The message has come through loud and clear and we are working to fix it. 3. Regulation. Its a fact of business today that Regulation and Compliance can be a major hindrance to innovation. A case in point is the burgeoning FinTech Space in Nairobi. How can Safaricom help startups navigate this area? 4. What is the long term strategy for MPesa?Kenya is renowned the world over for innovation in this space and we should be grateful for the regulatory space that we developers enjoy in this country compared to others. Having said that the financial services space necessarily has boundaries and compliance requirements given its sensitivity. We have a comprehensive hand holding process for our partners that includes helping them navigate the regulatory landscape. Our Ready Business initiative seeks to do the same for small businesses across industries.Our long-term strategy for M-PESA is to ensure that it continues to evolve and remain relevant to Kenyans. As you may have noticed, we have started exploring the P2B space. Given that 8 out of ten transactions in Kenya are still made in cash, there’s a lot of room for a number of providers (and us) to grasp the mobile money opportunity. Barrack OtienoHi Walu, Before the branch closes: 1. Does Safaricom support the TIVET Program or any Village Polytechnics which train most of our Crafts Men upcountry?, would be keen to know what kind of support they extend to this Village Innovation Centres. Best RegardsThrough the Safaricom Foundation we have provided computers for some youth polytechnics around the country, in partnership with Computers for Schools Kenya. These devices aimed to support their drive around digitalizing learning in youth polytechnics. We are considering exploring more opportunities through our youth platform, Blaze. Timothy OriedoOn innovation; I would wish to know how I can access anonymised cell phone location sensor data platform of all safaricom subscribers that will enable building of a recommendation engine to benefit various industries. Safaricom is sitting on a potential natural resource that if opened up can benefit different industries from transport, security, health care , education, environment etcetra Think of an intelligent service that can inform the traffic department that there is a noticeable surge of cellphone signals approaching town from a particular direction say Limuru -Westlands and the traffic lights proportionally allow more vehicles from that direction to pass through. ...wouldn't it be a step ahead in solving our ever present traffic menace?Timothy, I think you are referring to the potential of big-data that we may have accreted based on customer information. To be clear, access to customer information is controlled by law and under our licence both of which obligate to keep that information confidential. Beyond that I believe you are touching on the use of anonymised data records for development initiatives. This is an area that I believe should be discussed robustly and if viable, relevant legislation passed to enable different organisations with useful data to be able to apply this to different uses while affording the source of this information the necessary legal safeguards. John KietiWith "Mobile" contributing about 11% of South Korea's GDP (read Samsung), it is hard to fto resist the temptation to dream about "Mobile" contributing as much as 20% of Kenya's GDP by 2027. Such a dream appears achievable if Safaricom assumes the role of an anchor and sets itself up for more rapid co-innovation with local entrepreneurs and innovators. Best! Thanks John. This is well noted. Note:All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy.http://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Terms_and_Conditions/safaricom_email_terms_and_conditions.pdf _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/jwalu%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.

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Web-based Software Applications Developer Wanted
by Peter Kamau 16 Feb '17

16 Feb '17

Dear All, We are looking for Web-based Application Developers with a bias on use of Bio metrics technology and devices *Qualifications and Experience for the Position* - University Degree or Higher Diploma in an IT related field - Proven and Demonstrable track record of development of applications and solutions - Knowledge and experience of programming language such as Ruby on Rails, PHP, Perl, Python and/Java or C# or any other .Net Technology, API Development. - Working and Integration with Bio Metrics Technology and devices - Strong passion for coding, and technical aptitude, including the ability to understand detailed technical information - Ability to use programming tools to design and manage databases - Working knowledge and experience in developing Web-based Applications - Good analytical and problem solving skills - Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills - Experience working in a team environment. *Key Duties and Responsibilities for the Position* - Will be required to develop solutions with innovation, speed and agility. - Develop Applications and Solutions - Document and demonstrate solutions by developing documentation, flowcharts, layouts, diagrams, charts, code comments and clear code - Prepare and install solutions by analyzing and designing system specifications, standards, and pro-gramming - Testing the product in controlled, real situations before going live - Provide information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing development and service issues. - Improve operations by conducting systems analysis; recommending changes in policies and procedures - Update job knowledge by studying state-of-the-art development tools, programming techniques, and computing equipment; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations. - Each application shall be accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, National Identity Card or passport, Testimonials and other relevant supporting documents. If you know a Guru in this, ask them to send CV to peter(a)spasys.com Regards...

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 2 Questions
by Walubengo J 15 Feb '17

15 Feb '17

Thnx Steve, As comprehensive as usual. Listers, feel free to chambua/ask for further clarifications. walu. From: Stephen Chege via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: Stephen Chege <SChege(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 5:56 PM Subject: [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 2 Questions Dear all Below are the responses to Day 2 Questions. We are picking up the supplementary questions and will respond to them. regards Steve Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 2 (Tuesday 7th Feb)- Competition IssuesGuideline: Share your perspective as to whether or not Safaricom is dominant in the following sub-sectors and whether some intervention is required from the regulator. The current data from CA (Q1, 2016-17) could be a useful guideline for the dominance debate. It gives Safcom the following market share - a) Mobile Subscribers (69% of all subscribers, closest rival17.5%) ‘;b) Voice Traffic (76% of voice traffic, closest rival 13.8%)c) Data/Internet Subsector, (63.2% of mobile internet subscriptions, closest rival 21%)d) Mobile Money Transactions ( 81% of all mobile money transactions, closes rival 16%) I am sure we cannot ask or blame Safaricom for what it may consider a successful state of affairs :-) So please share your perspective as to whether or not Safaricom is dominant in the following sub-sectors and whether or not some intervention is required from the regulator in as far as making the market more competitive. Floor is open.Questions+Comments from Discussions:Ali Hussein@Walu What strategic purpose would splitting Safaricom have on their business? I'm fundamentally opposed to government imposed splits. Let's look at one of the most famous splits:- Standard Oil in the US. It was split into 34 companies by the justice department. The most prominent of these were Exxon, Mobil and Chevron. Many years later through 'Mergers and Acquisitions' the original company is now more or less back as ExxonMobil, whose CEO has incidentally been appointed by The Donald to be Secretary of State. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Oil Having said that I think Mpesa remaining in Safaricom is stunting it's growth. But then that's their prerogative not anybody else's. I keep on saying that someone out there is quietly plotting to eat Safaricom's lunch. If they snooze. Ali, Walu we cannot speculate as to what action will be proposed against Safaricom. However we take the very strong view that competition in our sector should not be viewed only from the perspective of the so called smaller players. Questions should be asked how the situation came to be given that two of the current players were licensed at practically the same time. Specifically, the issue of investment in infrastructure should be examined in detail. Regulatory intervention should not be used to reward failure to invest. Also Ali correctly states, we also have to keep investing and innovating or else we shall soon be someone’s lunch.Also, the World Bank’sGlobal Economic Prospects Report (2016) notes, if Kenya’s economy wants to continue to grow at a ‘robust’ pace, empowering the mobile and technology sectors is critical as they provide the critical infrastructure needed for growth. Barrack OtienoMany thanks for your email, i applaud Safaricom for its aggressive and smart approach that has made it a leader. My question will be focused on connecting the unconnected. Is there an effort to tailor make the customer service platform to include other local languages say, Luhya, Luo or Maa?, i think this will encourage more citizens who traditionally dont speak English and or Swahili to embrace telecommunications and or related services. Good question Barrack, - we undertake a lot of investment in people and systems to ensure that all our customers are able to get service from our Call Centre in their preferred language. We have local dialect speakers in our Customer Centres and our Retail touch points who can serve all Kenyans in the event that they are not conversant with Kiswahili or English. So this is well covered. In fact our concern now is Chinese speakers! We have noted a significant number of calls from these customers. 2) What is Safaricoms experience with Mshwari - payments , defaults in light of the challenging economic times ?, i am sure this will be an indicator of the health of the economy. M-Shwari is a CBA product that is delivered via the Safaricom platform. According to CBA, less than 2% of borrowers default on their repayments. M-Shwari leverages the ubiquity of mobile devices, Safaricom’s M-PESA and partnership with CBA to enable Kenyans operate and maintain a bank account through their mobile device. This service is quite successful, and in every single minute our two partners (CBA and KCB) process two loans every second on both their M-Shwari and KCB-M-PESA products. Secondly i am curious to know the mechanism that is in place to refund people who might have money on Mpesa or Mshwari and pass on yet their relatives don't claim the money. Our policy is that the M-PESA and M-Shwari balances are maintained in the individual’s accounts until they are claimed by their personal representatives or executors of their Will. To make a claim, such representatives or executors are required to present Letters of Administration or a Grant of Probate issued by a Court and complete the relevant claim forms available at any of our retail shops countrywide. The money is then paid to them. If this money is not claimed within two years, then the law requires us to remit the balances in those accounts to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority. 3) On the data front , can we have a status update of the Safaricom Fibre to the Home Project?, which areas have been covered?, which areas have not been covered, any challenges the company has faced from the citizens, county governments and regulators. RegardsWe have just launched this project which complements our strategy to provide our customers end-to-end connectivity whether they are on-the-go or at home. So far we have fibre installed next to 20,000 homes to date meaning it will be easy to connect these residential areas to high speed fixed data. This is an ongoing effort which we see as our next strategic area for development.A lot of the concerns from citizens is the troublesome excavation works where the fibre is buried. We deal with these by ensuring our contractors restore the excavated areas back to the previous condition. With County Governments the concern is around Way Leaves. A number of us in this forum were involved in the drafting of the Critical Infrastructure Bill which, among other issues, sought to address the issues of delays in obtaining Way Leaves and in general ensuring that ICT infrastructure (including fibre optic cable) is deemed as utility and exempted from delays in approvals. I hope that Bill eventually passes into law. Victor KapiyoSafaricom has over the years benefited from its current position, raking in billions in profits for its shareholders. As a public listed company, what has the company done so far to confer some of these benefits to the public, whether as part of its CSR, investments or approaches in business operations etc.? Regards,As a business, we have taken a conscious decision that our purpose is not solely to build value for our shareholders- which is an important part of what we do. We have at the centre of all the business we undertake a commitment to Transform Lives. We do this beyond the traditional realm of voice, data and mobile money services through partnerships in health, agriculture, the music and the arts space, backing and providing thought leadership for innovation, leading a corporate push to adopt the SDGs as well as projects such as the National Surveillance, Communication and Control System for the National Police Service to enhance security or the 23,000 primary schools which will benefit from free internet connectivity from Safaricom. Under our Corporate Responsibility program, we have helped over 1.2 million Kenyans receive health services, put 800,000 students in decent classrooms, and supported 1.25 million Kenyans through disaster response. We have provided over 300,000 people with access safe and clean water, and have economically empowered over 250,000 people. You may see more of our projects here:www.safaricom.co.ke/foundation and I invite any one of you to let us know if they are any areas that we should cover more. We truly believe in building our relevance beyond the bottom line to create a sustainable organisation that adds value for all Kenyans. Grace BomuI will ask a question on behalf of my teenager friend, "If Safcom makes so much profit, why can't it lower data costs?Hi Grace, please see my earlier response to Sidney on this matter. Odhiambo WashingtonOn dominance on the above (except (c), I cannot blame Safaricom or even try to mention dominance. It's something they have worked for. However, they also need to use this gigantic position to ensure coverage everywhere while lowering tariffs on voice, data and mostly Money Transfer fees. Talking of coverage, I have severally tweeted Safaricom about the lack of network coverage along the road from Kapiti Area all the way to that turn-off to Nanyuki. I think the place is called Marwa. I am wondering whether they take the feedback seriously or it's just that they don't expect much revenue from travelers on that section of the journey to Nyeri/Nanyuki. And what about to Ole Polos (asking for Barrack!) ?? Washington, we take all customer feedback seriously. It may take us some time to rectify some problems but we do act upon the complaints. As mentioned yesterday, our team is getting in touch with you to pinpoint these problem areas. A deep analysis will tell you that Safaricom charges for money transfer are very expensive. The trick is in the amounts you transfer - and they take advantage of the fact that most clients will want to do a transfer at once, instead of in bits, which I don't think is fair. The cost of sending 2,500 whether at once or in 1,000, 1000, 500 should be the same. Afterall it's all _digital_ money, not some individuals carrying the cash to destinations/final users :-) As mentioned before, we believe that our charges are competitive and reflect the convenience of transferring your money securely and efficiently. It is also important to note that there is a network cost element to each portion of your transaction, which is why the fees cannot be standardised in the manner you suggest. On money transfer and especially with regard to customer (or is it consumer?) protection, I still think Safaricom is capable of doing more with regard to those transactions where someone ends up sending to the wrong number. Much as they have introduced number lookups from the contacts stored on the SIM card, I believe number lookups from the contacts stored on the phone shouldn't be such an uphill task. Do they have plans for this? Our second generation M-PESA system has enabled the service known as Hakikisha, which allows you to confirm the recipient details prior to the transaction being completed, using the customer’s officially registered details. Furthermore, we have made it very simple to initiate a reversal in the event is erroneously sent to the wrong recipient. Nonetheless I can confirm that we are working on an M-PESA App which will, among other things, be able to seamlessly retrieve recipient details directly from the contacts in your phonebook further minimising chances of error. The App is currently being Piloted. Being almost the world's pioneer of mobile money transfer, can they also pioneer a legal mechanism to deal with/mitigate cases where people have sent money to the wrong numbers by mistake? That is one area that remains wanting. When a customer calls us and lets us know that the money was sent to the wrong number, we can usually reverse it if the money has not been withdrawn. However if the money has been withdrawn they are in essence raising a legal dispute. Our role as a telecoms provider is limited to service provision and therefore we are not empowered to take on the investigative elements of such a legal dispute.What we can do is to provide network tools that can assist with minimising the chance of error – which is why introduced services like Hakikisha and engage in continuous customer education around this issue. At the moment, their 15sec option to mitigate that isn't quite intuitive. The "Cancel' option actually means 'go ahead and do the transfer', but most people have confused it with what "Cancel" in any other realm means. They should re-engineer the option to have the meaning/options expected by users..(Oh, was I supposed to give feedback or ask questions?) Besides, they should increase the time to 30secs, and also sponsor a media campaign to enlighten their clients.Washington, this solution is flash-enabled, so whether the button says ‘Ignore’ while others say ‘Cancel’ depends purely on the type of handset the user owns. The simple rule of thumb is that any response is required in order to stop the transactions, not responding means the transactions will proceed. Currently the timeout period is 25 seconds, which some users say is too long! Walu JI just have one question for Safcom with respect to Competition. Are they willing to: a) Be split into several independent units? As in make the Mobile money business (MPESA) a separate and autonomous unit from their Voice and Data side of business? We believe that the decision to split or not to split should lie with the company. All I will say is that our current model has worked very well for us so far. b) Open up MPESA service such that if I vuka(migrate) to competition e.g Airtel, I do not lose the MPESA facility? Obviously this would be an affront to their 'stronghold' but sometimes it may spice up the market a bit. This maybe necessary considering that their market share lead has not changed much over the last 10years. Which may point to a market failure or maybe they are just clever than everyone else :-). That is a big ask Walu but again the decision to implement such an initiative should lie with us. Innovation is the fuel that powers success in business. If this is taken away and commoditised through Regulatory intervention this will send all the wrong signals. Timothy OriedoMy question on today's topic. Are Frenemy and Coopetion terms alien to Safaricom's strategy? I observe aggressive canibalization forward, backward, laterally and upwards. With previous moves of backward integration to own infrastructure distribution - laying out of own fibre capacity reducing lease to capacity and forward integration of remodelling the airtime / scratchcards product distribution structure of their dealerships making it less lucrative for them to operate. Laterally through launch of peripheral services that would rather belong to their business partners email.e.g mobile money-banking, the big box-media etc. Isn't it unfair to compete with your suppliers and clients in the name of value chain innovation ? Wow! There are many loaded statements here, most of which are not entirely factual. Be that as it may, we compete fairly and we are interested in operating in an environment where other operators thrive because we believe there is significant opportunity for us all. Timothy trust me when I say we want to Transform Lives. It is at the centre of all we do – I have personally seen business plans set aside because they were not transformative for our customer.Even as we invest in our own fibre network, we are working with a number of local companies to implement the service – the same goes for any other element of our business including airtime distribution, which is done primarily through over 250,000 dealers country-wide.At a broader level, our cross-industry partnerships such as those we have with M-KOPA, KARA or Mulley’s Supermarket – allow us to merge our collective strengths to provide unique products for the market. Lastly apart from mpesa transaction of less than 100 Bob, Please Call Me and checking for airtime balance which is the other Freemium service that safaricom is know for? The way to look at these so called ‘Freemium’ services is their reach and value to the person using them. To a college student who wants to communicate but doesn’t have any airtime a ‘Please Call Me Text” is not a small thing. You can imagine this for M-PESA customer who needs to send Kshs. 100. I can confirm that transaction numbers in this category have grown by more than 130% since we waived the charges. These may appear to be just two services but their reach is enormous given the number of customers who use them. Other ‘Freemiums’ include access to our website – any time you land on the site there is no charge and of course our Customer Care. Sydney OchiengSafaricom has been rumored to harass agents who want to run competitors' mobile money solutions, has this practice stopped? What is Safaricom doing to stop its agents from doing this?Sidney, as you correctly state, that is a rumour. We opened up our M-PESA agency network in 2015 (we have now grown that network to over 124,000) – which means that our agents are free to provide services for other operators. You just need to walk around CBD and other towns in Kenya to see the multiple branding attesting to this. Note:All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy.http://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Terms_and_Conditions/safaricom_email_terms_and_conditions.pdf _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/jwalu%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.

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Skype Amplifier Mic and Speaker
by Martin Mugambi 15 Feb '17

15 Feb '17

Hi Team, Am looking for the above simple gadget. Should be full duplex to allow teleconference for like 5 people. Any leads will be appreciated. -- Kind Regards Martin Gitonga +254 711 704 635 Skype: Martin.mugambi7

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Fw: [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 1 Questions
by Walubengo J 15 Feb '17

15 Feb '17

FYI- apologies for crossposting if already seen the responses on KICTanet walu. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Stephen Chege via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: Stephen Chege <SChege(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 7:08 PM Subject: [kictanet] "Talk to Safaricom" Responses to Day 1 Questions Dear all Below are the responses to Day 1 Questions. Will try to do a better job with the formatting for the next set of responses. regards Steve Talk-2-Safaricom, Days 1 (Monday 6th Feb) - Consumer Issues Guideline: Share our experiences and challenges with regard to Safaricom Services along the following topics a) Affordability (of Bandwidth, Data bundles, SMS, Over The Top Services )b) Quality of Service(Congestion, Dropped Calls, 2G, 3G, 4G)c) Data Protection & Intermediary liability (Premium Service Providers, Unsolicited sms, KRA & MPESA accounts)d) Privacy Issues-As the largest ISP, how is Safcom handling Censorship threats, Child online Protection from harmful content, Security Cameras, etc) Questions+Comments from Discussions:Barrack Otieno:My question regards mobile signal coverage of Kisamese and Olepolos areas which are within 50 Kilometres from Nairobi. The quality of the signal is very poor yet there is a growing urban populace. I had raised this issue with Safaricom Customer service and they promised to work on it but it has been a year waiting for some positive feedback. Can our good friends at Safaricom do something about the blind spots and strengthening of 3 G in the area? By extension coverage is very bad and non existent as you move further towards Magadi in particular Oltepesi and Tinga areas. I hope to get some feedback on the plans Safaricom has to boost the signal in this area. Hi Barrack. As you mentioned, our technical team has been in touch on this issue and are currently scoping out the options in the area. We aim to improve connectivity in the Kajiado County by adding increase the County coverage footprint from 60% to about 75% of the inhabited area, while increasing network capacity within the urban areas. In the last ten months we have increased our coverage by 18 Base stations with plans ongoing to identify new coverage locations in the next FY 2017/18, to be available by mid-March. The new rollout drive is being done as part of our regionalization program that kicked off last year. Ali HusseinHow is Safaricom leveraging NOFBI and USF to ensure their customers get high internet connectivity in the furthest corners of the country - From Mandela and Wajir to Kilifi and Lamu? Yes we do leverage both NOFBI and USF. NOFBI is a backbone Fibre network by the Government of Kenya, available to all network operators. We use it for backhauling from our terminal sites to our main network points. On USF, (and I’m answering both Ali and Mwendwa here), for context, the USF Fund is created under KICA by donations from licensees of the CA. To date, Safaricom has contributed almost half of the approximately Sh4 billion in the Fund as at January 2016.The CA has adopted a methodology that targets the application of the Fund to marginalised and underserved areas by offering incentives (a subsidy from the USF) to operators who are still expected to invest and expend capital expenditure to erect the required infrastructure. In identifying these areas, the CA conducted an Access Gap study, which identified different geographic areas of the country that require intervention under the USF fund.The proposed methodology further targeted the existing operators (and principle contributors to the Fund) to bid for certain geographic Lots, erect base stations and extend network coverage for both voice and data to these underserved areas.A total 105 Lots were on offer. A Lot consists of a geographical region in Kenya, which may require building between 5-6 BTS per Lot. Each operator was given the opportunity to bid for any number of Lots, and in return, the USF would give a subsidy of between 20-80% to the operator for the total construction cost of the required BTS. The operator would be required to undertake capital expenditure and together with the subsidy to meet the full cost of the BTS in these remote regions.For example, if a Lot located in Samburu required 6 BTS to be constructed whose total cost was Sh120m, an operator would be required to undertake capital expenditure of 60m, and the USF would grant a subsidy of 60m.Unfortunately, the subsidy offered for a large number of the Lots was not sufficient to attract investments. Safaricom bid for 28 Lots out of which we were awarded 24 Lots. We are now preparing to rollout in the next two months.The application of the USF is determined by the CA in consultation with the Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC).As the largest contributors to the USF Fund, telecommunication service providers including Safaricom do not have a say as to how the funds are utilised – yet we have the best information as to the constraints that impede rollout of network in marginal areas and the subsidy from the USF facilitates in closing the capital challenge.In fact, telecommunications providers had requested for representation in the USAC and had received promises that this would be done, but unfortunately the council does not have any operator representation. 2. Does Safaricom get requests from the government regarding customer data? a) Phone numbers b) SMS Messages c) Browsing history? d) add any other And if so does Safaricom feel that they may have an obligation to make these requests public on a quarterly basis? No we do not get such requests. Where we do get requests, it is usually in criminal investigations and court proceedings where typically the information sought is call data records. Edwin KiamaMy question is on privacy. Rumour has it that GoK through NIS mirrors all telecom networks. Are copies of my Smses on the Safaricom Network also delivered to the government? Are my calls listened to? No. As you correctly pointed out, this is a rumour. We have no visibility of call or SMS content nor do we keep copies of the same. Operators act as a conduit for transmission of the communication, therefore we only have a log for purposes of billing for the service. Such logs will contain information such as the duration of the call, date and time stamp of the message, the sender /recipient numbers and amount charged. Under the terms of our licence and laws such as KICA, we are required to keep customer information confidential. This standard is raised to the higher level by our Constitution, which ensures customers have the right to privacy. We are aware that the Communications Authority has stated that they intend to implement a monitoring system whose objectives include getting access to customer information. I wish to point out that this request has only been made in recent weeks by the CA to the operators. All operators (and here I believe I speak for the industry, but I stand to be corrected) are not in favour of any third-party system that would have access to confidential customer information. We have registered our strong reservations with the CA and discussions on this matter are ongoing. I think this is a matter that this forum should take a keen interest in and one that should be subjected to robust discussion as it touches directly on issues of data privacy, confidentiality and access to private information before operators are forced to implement the system. Walu JAffordability. The idea that bundles are cheap e.g 50Ksh or 0.5$ for 150MB per day is misleading. In 30days, this comes to 1,500Ksh or 15$ per month for 4.5GB of data. If I watched an educational movie or downloaded some serious research data or software, this volume of data can disappear in 5minutes. Meaning, 15$ gone in 5 minutes! My conclusion is that data bundles are not cheap - unless you are simply tweeting the whole day. How can Safaricom give Kenyans a better data bundle-price mix that encourages more value adding activities rather than just social-media activities? Walu, different customers have different consumption patterns, this is why many operators world over have differently priced data bundles. Some customers would prefer to pay for a larger bundle upfront and enjoy the benefits of deeper discounts, whereas others can only afford to buy smaller bundles and we have to provide those options. This actually addresses affordability as different customers have different purchasing power. What we tend to see over a period of time is that customers gravitate towards the bundles that give them the most value in their circumstances, whether its daily, weekly, or monthly and depending on what use they apply the data.Typically, most data consumers use it for social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Netflix, and so on. As users mature in their usage habits we expect more enterprise, academic and professional use of data. 2. On Child Online Protection(COP); As the largest 'ISP' in Kenya, what modalities do you have for parents to control and protect kids from adult, terrorist or other harmful content? Do you have something equivalent to DSTV parental control for mobile devices? Ni hayo tu for now. Safaricom, as a responsible global citizen recognises that parents need support in keeping their children safe online. We recognise the importance of child online safety as part of our commitment to promote children’s rights, as detailed in the Safaricom’s Children’s Rights Policy.Needless to say monitoring and protection of children’s online activity is the primary responsibility of parents, guardians and care givers. As an ISP, the most effective way of aiding parents to effect child online safety is through device specific tools. In the past, Safaricom has provided a parental control applications as the Guardian App. This free Android-based App empowers parents to among other things, block specific contacts or numbers form sending unsuitable text messages or calls to their children’s phones, specify times during which the child can use the gadget, as well as restrict outgoing calls to white-listed contacts. In addition to this, Safaricom is currently in discussion with various vendors to offer an array of child friendly mobile phones and tablets and parental control products and solutions. Further, we regularly partner with relevant stakeholders including the CA, the GSMA, and other stakeholders to create public awareness and education on the online safety of children. Kevin KamonyeHello Stephen, My issue is with the data products pricing and durability. I yearn for the peace of only managing one SIM please.. Otherwise, well done overall. KevinHi Kevin, thanks for this comment, we will contact you offline to discuss your needs. Sydney OchiengI'd like to know what Safaricom is doing to make it affordable for people to come online? While prices have reduced its not enough when half the population lives on less than a dollar a day. On the same note, why do bundles expire? Other than to make me buy more? Sidney, we have received a number of queries on this so I will give you a comprehensive answer. Over the last 7 years, the price of data on our network has dropped by 80% for example, in 2010, one GB was Sh2,500 versus the current Sh500. Over the last year, we further reduced the price of data on our network by 37%. We keep on reviewing customer needs and react accordingly where we can. Data in Kenya is relatively more affordable than say South Africa (where 1GB is Sh582), US (where 1GB is Sh1,814) and in the UK (1Gb is Sh1,944). These are countries that have significantly more backbone and metro fibre compared to Kenya. There are a number of factors that make up the cost of a bundle of data. The first most significant one is the expenditure on getting the data to the customer. Over the last 10 years, we have spent billions on securing undersea cable links, building a data capable network and paying for spectrum fees - for example, in December last year we paid $25 million to Communications Authority for the 4G Licence. In a typical commercial setting, these costs necessarily inform the retail pricing strategy. As the costs of connecting customers (so called last-mile) reduce over time, we are able to pass these benefits to customers as explained above.In addition, we understand that the cost of the device is often a barrier for our customers, this is why we are working with phone manufacturers to reduce the costs of data enabled handsets where we can – you can now buy a 4G handset for less than Sh5,000. Lastly, expiry of data bundles is line with global practice – I shall go into this in more detail on my follow-up response to Liz. Why is M-PESA so expensive compared to other options? When is the M-PESA app coming? The USSD option is so cumbersome. Sidney – I believe M-PESA is still affordable when compared to the other options for sending money across the country. Think of the days when we would have to hope and pray that relative we sent by bus with money would make it, or even how much in terms of money and time it can cost to travel to bank branch and send to someone else. Quite simply, we price our service as it is not sustainable to offer services at no cost – it means you’re either sacrificing on security or you have not invested in some part of the delivery chain. It costs money to maintain and retain the over 124,000 agents we have across the country, as well as to maintain the technology running the service.Nonetheless we continue to reduce the tariffs on M-PESA proactively. You will note in December, we removed the cost of all transactions under Sh100 as part of our agenda to expand access for customers who typically transact in small amounts. Since then, we have witnessed a 93% increase in average daily transactions. As most payments are under Sh100, customers who pay now access energy and additional services like radio or TV without paying a transaction fee. What sort of information do you have on me, as a subscriber? How long is each category of information stored for? What internal processes protect this data and who has access to it, within Safcom? What is the process for outsiders (government, private citizen) to get access to it? Sidney, we are required by law to have the following details in our files for every subscriber: Name, ID, Photo and Address (collected as part of your subscriber registration). Access to customer data is highly restricted at Safaricom, and only authorised personnel are allowed to access it.However, our customer care team is able to view data such as top-ups and transactions - but only following a query from a customer.The data retention duration depends on the type of information in question and the governing law – for example, subscriber registration information is retained for a period of two years after the subscriber leaves the network.This kind of information is also stored as machine form data, meaning no one would be able to access it or decipher it in the normal course of business and is stored in well-secured servers. Those cameras you put in all over the city, who has access to them? What's the plan for fiber? Right now I think you're my only hope for fiber in my home in Siaya. In 2014, Safaricom signed a landmark agreement with the Government of Kenya that saw it create a first-of-its-kind National Surveillance, Communication and Control System for the National Police Service. This project involved installation of surveillance cameras which are controlled and managed by the National Police Service. The project has now been fully handed over the NPS, who have access to the cameras and who use them to fight crime and maintain the rule of law. Ali HusseinActually I honestly don't understand this business of expiration of Bundles.. I mean if I go and fuel at the petrol station and the fuel in my car lasts a month will the fuel expire??? It's my money, it's my bundles. I think CA is sleeping on the job. Telcos need to change this policy. It's very unfair.Ali let me explain this from the eyes of Telcos – not necessarily Safaricom. The practice amongst mobile companies all over the world is that resources (airtime, SMS, data bundles) are made available to customers at a certain price and duration. This information is given to the customer before they purchase these resources. As such, the expectation from the mobile company is that the customer is aware that they have to utilise their resources within a set period of time. This is how it is done in may parts of the world. As such these resources, be they data bundles, SMS or minutes are deemed not to be available to a customer after the communicated date. However, Safaricom is among the few operators that allow these resources to 'roll over' or be extended once a customer tops up their line with additional resources. Grace BomuThank you so much Steve , Walu et al for the engagement. First of all, I am grateful to Safaricom for being almost everywhere. I was in parts of Kapedo, Baragoi and Mandera last year and it was unbelievable that I could post pictures and read news online from some of those far flung places. It just struck me that Safaricom is a company that intends to stay in Kenya for the next 100 years.Grace – we certainly hope so. At the moment we are trying build the foundations of a sustainable business by aligning with the SDGs as our business blueprint. See more here:http://www.safaricom.co.ke/investor-relation/sustainability Realising that the company is an important part of Kenyan life, my question is whether Safaricom has a human rights policy or guidelines for its operations. This is not just in relation to access to customer data, child online protection and privacy but also in other areas such as environment, how/who you contract and compensation for victims of rights abuses. Grace, this is an interesting question, however I would need more details to frame an appropriate answer especially on the human rights angle. Racheal NakitareDear Walu et'alThank you for this brilliant idea. I ran out of bundles last night hence my questions this morning. Following up on Grace Bomu's issue on human rights. Does Safaricom make any effort to let subscribers know and understand their rights. I would expect that I will find the terms and policy guidelines on the home page of the website. Across all our customer touch points - be it TV, Radio, Online, Print or at the shop/agent - we are required to ensure that our customers have easy access to the terms and conditions that govern their use of all our services. In line with our drive to be the most transparent operator in the market, we take this requirement very seriously. How long is the data collected through our transactions kept? Please see my response to Sidney above. The data retention duration depends on the type of information in question and the governing law – for example, subscriber registration information is retained for a period of two years after the subscriber leaves the network. On the other hand, M-PESA transactions data is kept for seven years. Does Safaricom respect the rights to privacy of its users? How do you respond to third party requests for user information collected through SIM card registration? Walu, Bonface, Rachel,The aspect of data privacy is at the heart of telecommunications services, which is why it is a right protected under the constitution. In addition to this, Safaricom has strict license obligations to maintain customer information confidentiality.Safaricom makes no disclosure of information to third parties except as provided in the law. Specifically, we make disclosure to law enforcement agencies in relation to criminal proceedings in Courts.We have a zero tolerance approach to the illegal use of our customer data and are willing to take aggressive steps to defend it. I live in Ongata Rongai and can not communicate on safcom while in my house. Yet this is ideally a well networked area. In-door coverage is a challenge for all networks but certainly one that can be overcome! Signal propagation in built-up areas can be difficult but it is our job to ensure that you can enjoy the benefits of communication in the comfort of your house which we do by in-filling already covered areas and through optimisation. In large office-blocks we have to deploy dedicated in-door solutions. We can chat offline and our technology team will be in touch with you for details on your location so we can address this issue more specifically. Boniface Witaba@Safaricom My concern (though already mentioned by one of the listers) is privacy and data protection. In 2013, a political party in my area colluded with M-PESA agents to phish customer details from M-PESA registers for political purposes. As a result, my details and those of others ended up with the party, and were eventually forwarded to the registrar of political parties. 1. What mechanisms have you put in place to protect customers data especially at the agents level? Walu, Bonface, you both had questions around confidentiality of customer data at the M-PESA agents.Due to Know Your Customer and Anti Money Laundering legislation, we are required to capture certain information in order to process M-PESA transactions.In the past, we made a change to our data capture processes at our Agents in order to tighten security around our customer data. So today, the M-PESA Agent will only record your ID number and not the phone number, name and ID as was the case previously.We undertook this step in response to reports of unscrupulous users who would lift this data from the books to sign up customers up for services without their permission. We spend a lot of time working with the CBK to train our M-PESA Agents on the latest developments in Anti-Money Laundering, KYC, Insurance and Security. In doing this, we also place strict regulations on how they handle customer data in their possession through their daily interaction with customers. We also conduct regular, random checks to see how that data is secured to ensure that customer transactions remain confidential to them. 2. Can you compare notes with your sister company in Tanzania (Vodacom) to borrow some of their best practices in handling customer data? When it comes to customer data protection, we actually share best practice with all M-PESA markets including Tanzania, and will ensure that we implement the best in the class operations across the country.We have a zero tolerance approach to the illegal use of our customer data and are willing to take aggressive steps to defend it. The other issues is Internet cost. Tanzania has been voted as the #1 country with affordable Internet costs in Africa (again Vodacom takes the lead). With about 150 Kshs, you get 1GB for 24 hours. I had responded to Sidney’s question on data in some detail, but let me add Kenya is comparable to markets that are offering data on technologies comparable to what we offer. If we compare using that as a basis, 3G/4G data in Kenya is currently more affordable than South Africa (where 1GB is Sh582), US (where 1GB is Sh1,814) and in the UK (1Gb is Sh1,944). In Tanzania, they charge about Sh420 for 1GB per month. Why is it so hard for you to pass such benefits to Kenyans after years of dominance? Kind regardsTimothy OriedoSafaricom remains the one network in Kenya that keeps investing in the country. Our strength is due to years of dedicated investment in our network, our choice to roll out in rural areas and relentless innovation. For instance, MIT recently released a new study revealing that, since 2008, access to mobile-money services — which allow users to store and exchange monetary values via mobile phone — increased daily per capita consumption levels of 194,000, or roughly 2 percent, of Kenyan households, lifting them out of extreme poverty (living on less than $1.25 per day). Benefits such as these have been the driving force behind our Transforming Lives strategy. Timothy OriedoThank you Admin and moderator for taking the initiative on this subject. Before the day breaks allow me to make submissions. Affordability - To what extend is Safaricom deploying dynamic pricing? It might not be evident to consumers but are the call rates relative to the anchor BTS ? Meaning if am in Kawangware i pay a different call rate than when am aroumd Kileleshwa? Will dynamic pricing apply On OTT platforms as well to drive consumption of certain types of content? We strive to offer all our services in a consistent manner to democratise the value of mobile services to all Kenyans. Moreover, we constantly innovate to package and price our services to suit the individual needs of our diverse customers. Roaming service when will safaricom deploy E-Sim and enter strategic partnerships with global players to reduce roaming costs? At present, Safaricom does not have plans to rollout E-SIM. The eSIM is a relatively new technology even in more advanced markets, we are monitoring its development in order to identify the right solution for our market. Safaricom currently has standing agreements with over 1,000 networks around the world and have been actively campaigning to reduce the cost of roaming.While there have been some successes, we are still pushing for more, especially on the regional front especially in Vodafone partner markets where you can roam for as little as Sh30 in South Africa or in London for Sh15, or as low as Sh30 in East Africa. b) Quality of Service - 5G is to roll out in 2020 where are we with 4G? Will we have optimised it? How about white space? When do its benefits trickle down to consumers to bridge the last mile as an affordable alternative and for redundancy checks. Over the last financial year, we rolled out 1,000 4G masts across major towns in Kenya. However, we still believe there is much more to be done in enhancing access to 3G and indeed, 2G in some areas. We were first to launch 3G and 4G, and we do intend to trial 5G in the short to medium term. Our view is that we shall invest in the latest cutting edged technologies to meet the needs of our customers, however we shall not lose sight of the fact that some of them still require basic - or even improved - connectivity. On white spaces, we are a firm believer in licensed spectrum use as the best model to deliver connectivity to the largest number of Kenyans hence our position as the first company to trial and implement both 3G and now 4G services in Kenya. c) Data Protection & Intermediary liability- Has Safaricom started investing in big data analytics tools that can harness metadata so as to cushion data breaches? Have come across studies in an international university I attended of a study done with anonymised call records of 15M safaricom phone subscribers that did predict disease spread patterns from rural to urban areas...there are many more other studies that can be done for social good. Is there a particular department in safaricom that collaborates with scholars for such ground breaking studies ? Are they published and publiced? We have several big data tools that help us sift information on our network in order to improve the customer experience. We have a dedicated team who conduct big data analysis to explore the opportunities therein, including Mobile for Social Good initiatives such as in the areas of health, disaster management, etc while still ensuring that the necessary data protection safeguards for our customers remain in place. In time we shall publish any findings as relevant. d) Privacy Issues - How safe is our transactional data with the planned release of mpesa API to developers?Good question. This is an issue that has been brought up about Safaricom for some time, which I would want to clarify.First, we do have API platform that enable developers to integrate with M-PESA and customize their offering. Is it the best? No, because we require handholding of the developers, hence we have only managed a few hundred developers and the process is quite clunky. But the good thing is, we know this, and are working to fix it. We have already chosen a platform and vendor to manage the APIs, which will allow developers to go into a developer portal, get access to a sample code and a testing environment. Once they are ready to take their API live, they can go through automated and secure testing of the API. We expect this to be in place in the next few months. We will invite all the necessary users to test it before official launch. There are couple phone apps that we install that phish up our phone and sms records....can safaricom play a role in blocking then?Timothy, at the point of downloading an app, most will ask you whether you accept their terms and conditions. Many times when we do this, we tend to accept terms and conditions that are extremely risky, for example, some ask for access to your phone book, camera, call records, call history, etc. and simply because we want the app we go ahead and download the app.This engagement is entirely between the customer and the app provider. It is therefore difficult for Safaricom or any other operator to secure customers in such circumstances. However, we occasionally run awareness campaigns informing customers of the inherent risks of downloading apps without full knowledge of what they are consenting to and which apps to avoid based on international benchmarks. Liz OremboThanks Steve, Grace and Walu. Still on privacy and data protection issues, Vodafone has reported that the laws are not clear as to whether it should release reports on government request of citizen data. Can you please explain this? Liz, in every country in which Vodafone operates, they are required to abide by laws which compel the company to disclose information about its customers to law enforcement agencies or other government authorities. Those laws are designed to protect national security or to prevent or investigate crime and terrorism. If a Vodafone affiliate refuses to comply, governments can remove their licence to operate, preventing Vodafone from providing services to its customers. Vodafone, therefore, has to balance its duty to respect our customers’ human rights against its legal obligation to assist government agencies and authorities when exercising their legal powers. On Mpesa payment, please consider notifying customers when they are about to reach transaction limits (like the below 2mbs bundles notification) Imagine someone being caught in a 'chonga viazi' situation yet they have money in mpesa. Sorry if I've misunderstood your question. Liz, if you have a look at your last M-PESA transaction, there's a notification that tells you what your current balance is. In addition, you are free to query your balance at any time if you are unsure about your balance on your M-PESA menu, USSD or by calling our customer care. We hope this addresses your concern as you'd be able to understand when you might be in a chonga viazi situation. If you're in the upper limit, then this shouldn’t be a problem. Lastly, why should my bundles expire?Liz, this is an interesting one. Again let me explain this from the eyes of Telcos – not necessarily Safaricom. The practice amongst mobile companies all over the world is that resources (airtime, SMS, data bundles) are made available to customers at a certain price and duration. This information is given to the customer before they purchase these resources. As such, the expectation from the mobile company is that the customer is aware that they have to utilize their resources within a set period of time. This is how it's done all over the world. In line with efficient network operations, it is impractical to hold network resources indefinitely.In fact, Safaricom is among the few operators that allow these resources to 'roll over' or be extended once a customer tops up their line. George SidneyHello, I've been on postpaid since 2013, all that time, I have been receiving 100 Mbs per month, we are now in 2017, is there a way Safaricom can add the amount of bundles it gives to its postpaid customers? 100 Mbs cannot even last one day and to make it worse it, there is no way one can sambaza bundles to a postpaid number. Since I rarely exhaust the voice bundles given to me, maybe there should be a plan to choose which bundles to receive more than the other. Lastly, to those unused voice bundles at the end of every month, instead of just wiping them out, and you don't carry them forward like you used to anymore, why don't you convert them to Bonga points instead. Cheers.Sidney, this appears to be a specific customer query. We are getting in touch with you to clarify this issue further. Esther KamandeThanks Walu and team for this. On reporting tools available; my concern is regarding the *reporting procedure*, the current system of going to social media and calling customer care is cumbersome and doesn't provide the anonymity that most users would prefer in such instances. Safaricom needs to add *a report option on their *100# menu* that majority of its users know how to operate *to simplify the process of reporting fraud and bullying for anonymity* like facebook. You can also add the "*block button" *while at it to keep away the persistent "bad boys". Most phones don’t have the screening function. Thank you for your indulgence Steve.Thank you for your question! We continuously explore ways we can improve service delivery. For instance, if you use our Safaricom App, you can report and chat to a customer care representative in real time. In addition, customers should be aware that most smart phones have these functionalities. Odhiambo WashingtonI am waiting for the day Safaricom will "listen to me, and invite me for a road trip through Kapiti (we buy and eat mangoes), all the way to Marwa (I abhor that name but don't ask me why), then we can detour to that market at Kibingoti and come back. Purpose - network survey :-)Washington…be careful what you wish for! I would be happy to arrange for road trip with our engineers – maybe not that particular route though! Let’s talk. Emmanuel KhisaSafaricom in the new strategy have decentralised their operations fully to different regions in the country...I would be glad if the staff posted in these regions focussed on improving quality of service across the country...An example is the Western Kenya office in Kisumu should try and >resolve quality issues between Kisumu and Busia...e.g Ojolla to Maseno section has serious signal drops. Emmanuel, this is exactly why we set up the Regional organization structure – our representative for the region will be in touch with you identify your problem spots. I second that, Emmanuel. Can Safaricom tell us when they expect to have the BS at Chulaimbo? I tried pushing for this for years till I gave up. They can put it kwetu Nyumbani :-) Mwendwa KivuvaThank you all who have raised issues of access to marginalized areas. The Chair of The Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC), Catherine Ngahu, when she appeared before senate sought to answer some questions on USF and the role of Operators. She said they have 2.3 billion that operators have refused to bid to covers some areas using those funds. "In the bidding we have faced challenges where some areas we are willing to provide funding the operators are unwilling even for pay to proceed. They have bid less areas than we intended" - Catherine Ngahu, Chair USAC. Evidence: at the 49th minute mark of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XerhfH8xD3c&t=2904s 1. Has Safaricom been able to utilise the USF in providing access to the underserved? 2. Has Safaricom requested for the USF in the first place? 3. If yes, where have they utilised the funds?4. Does Safaricom have any need of using the USF given the amount of capital they command? Mwendwa, I have answered this above. Vincent MosotiThanks Walu et al for facilitating this. I have 3 questions here; 1) What's Safaricom's commitment to fight fraud directed to its users? For example, attached here is a screenshot of an SMS i received purportedly from KCB advertising some form of loans. While safaricom/kcb/equity advises consumers to be vigilant, can't you deploy technologies that prevent/filter such spam/fraud messages getting through the network to intended users. Most of these SMSes have a common pattern and IMHO, i believe Safaricom have capabilities of deploying sophisticated technologies like machine learning to filter out/ prevent them from reaching to the intended persons. We have noted these incidents and are continually collecting the information alongside our partners to track down and deal with the perpetrators in real time. We advise our customers to forward any such messages to 333 for our teams to investigate and act upon. 2) Why are unregistered SIM cards allowed to use Safaricom network. Most frauds and crimes committed are likely to use unregistered sims to conceal their identities. Vincent, we are curious to establish how you determined that the SIM cards were unregistered considering the information is only available to the network operator and to the Regulator. We do not allow unregistered SIMs to operate in our network. In order for any customer to use services on our network, they must be registered as such there are no unregistered SIM cards on the Safaricom network. 3) Any plans lowering MPESA rates? Honestly why charge a transaction twice. I feel withdrawing money should be free, because the phrase 'utume mpaka ya kutoa' always results you incurring more sending costs that initially anticipated. Vincent, the ‘utume mpaka ya kutoa’ phrase is a culture that has risen outside of our influence or control. Ideally, each user should bear their own transaction costs for these services.We have continuously reviewed M-PESA charges over the last 10 years. The charges are structured to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem, which not only includes our customers, but more than 124,000 agents who play a critical role in making access to M-PESA convenient for our customers. We believe that the our charges are competitive and as mentioned we have waived transaction charges for transaction below Kshs. 100 to ensure that everyone is able to use M-PESA. From: Stephen Chege Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 10:03 To: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Cc: Grace Githaiga Subject: RE: [kictanet] Handing over to Safaricom: "Talk to Safaricom" Dear all Let me start by thanking Walu and Grace again for the opportunity and the moderation effort throughout last week. We have received all your questions and will be sending out the responses to questions from Day 1 later today. I will respond to each of the questioners and do my best with those that were more statements/opinions than questions. I realise that this group is well represented by all actors in the ICT and if I refer to your institution in any way that you are not comfortable with, you are welcome to clarify your position. Please feel free to send supplementary questions in case you deem that the offered response needs clarification. We shall also share a single document containing all the questions and our answers with Walu to assist with reporting after this exercise. My hope is that we can go into more detail on some of the broader themes during the planned evening cocktail, details of which Walu and Grace will advise. Otherwise thanks again and let’s keep the conversations going! regards Steve From: kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+schege=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke]On Behalf Of Grace Githaiga via kictanet Sent: Monday, February 13, 2017 13:37 To: Stephen Chege Cc: Grace Githaiga Subject: [kictanet] Handing over to Safaricom: "Talk to Safaricom" Dear Listers Thank you so much to all of you who participated in the one week moderated debate 'Talk to Safaricom'. Your dedication is highly appreciated. The questions when responded to by Safcom, will indeed shed light on many of the concerns raised. @Walu, asante sana for your moderation skills and all the hours you put into the discussion. We now hand over to Steve Chege, Director, Corporate Affairs at Safaricom to guide us on the next steps and the time frame within which we will get responses. We welcome Safaricom's willingness to engage with the community and ultimately provide us with the very needed information. Once again, all your contributions are valued. Best regards Githaiga, GraceCo-Convenor Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) Twitter:@ggithaiga Tel: 254722701495 Skype: gracegithaiga Alternate email: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga www.kictanet.or.ke "Change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged and come together to demand it. I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change – but in yours"---Barrack Obama. Note:All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy.http://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Terms_and_Conditions/safaricom_email_terms_and_conditions.pdf _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/jwalu%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.

2 2

mobile dev freelancer
by Okechukwu 14 Feb '17

14 Feb '17

Hi All, I am looking for a mobile dev freelancer to work on an urgent project that I cannot be able to hack the deadline due to some other commitments. if you have a working knowledge of ionic framework and working with firebase as a backend please hit me up with your hourly costs then we can discuss the project details. ./Ok3ch

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Fwd: Response to your Problem with reference number 91002170177931 posted on KRA Web Portal
by Odhiambo Washington 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

Who can find the dry joke in this email from KRA to a taxpayer? Or is the joke on me?? :-) [image: Inline images 1] ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <admin.itax(a)kra.go.ke> Date: 13 February 2017 at 09:59 Subject: Response to your Problem with reference number 91002170177931 posted on KRA Web Portal To: ODHIAMBO(a)gmail.com Dear Vincent Odhiambo Olula, Thank you for querying us on KRA Help Desk The Problem with reference number *91002170177931* that you posted on KRA Web Portal has been responded to. You Queried:* dont get gmail address* KRA Helpdesk's response: * Good Morning,Kindly elaborate on the issue that you are facing.Kind regards,* You can also view response to your query on KRA Web Portal. To view Click Here <http://10.10.110.248:8080//KRA-Portal/main.htm?actionCode=showResponse&strK…> and follow below menu navigation Other Services -->Post Query and click on Query Status. If the above link does not work, copy the below URL and paste it on a new browser window http://10.10.110.248:8080//KRA-Portal/main.htm?actionCode= showResponse&strKey=91002170177931 Regards, Help Desk KRA Web Portal Admin Kenya Revenue Authority ______________________________________________________ Note: This is a system generated mail. Please DO NOT reply to it. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft."

5 9

Fanless Mini-computer
by Cedric Gitura 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

I have been seeing fanless mini computers with capabilities of most desktops on line. I have no experience with them. Anyone used any and can recommend a good make or model? Does anyone know how they are cooled? Thanks in advance

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Koha implementation consultant
by Benjamin Muraguri 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

Anyone with experience in implementing the Koha library system? Some assistance required in an ongoing implementation.

1 0

List Of Items - Client Project (Athi River)...
by Michael Bullut 13 Feb '17

13 Feb '17

Greetings Team, I am carrying out a project at Athi River for a client of mine where they are setting up shop & provided me with a list of items with which their infrastructure will be set up on. Please e-mail me your quotes to *hello(a)solstice.co.ke <hello(a)solstice.co.ke>* Warm regards, Michael Bullut. --- *Cell:* *+254 723 393 114.**Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* *Twitter:* * @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/>* *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/ <http://www.kipsang.com/>* *E-mail:* *main(a)kipsang.com <main(a)kipsang.com>* *---*

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From Linux back to Windows
by Odhiambo Washington 12 Feb '17

12 Feb '17

""At the moment in many cases it just takes far too long and costs far too much for the city to implement software that's available as standard on the market. This must change, so that the city remains competitive in an increasingly digital service society," she said." http://www.techrepublic.com/article/linux-pioneer-munich-poised-to-ditch-op… -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft."

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Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 6 of 6 :(Saturday)-Emerging Issues/Open Day
by Walubengo J 11 Feb '17

11 Feb '17

Listers, Today is the last day of our deliberations. Early next week Safaricom will have a formal response to the questions/issues raised during the week. So as we wind up, are there any other issues that haverisen from the discussions OR may not have been covered over the previous fivedays? Guideline: a) Emerging Issues b) List topics for future considerations c) AoB. Lets have them recorded today so that Safaricom can have time to respond. regards. walu. NB: My one issue that was not covered was: Who actually discovered MPESA? Was it that University of Nairobi Student or some researchers in the UK (Vodafone)?

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & Elections (Last Call...)
by Walubengo J 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Listers, Thanx @GB, @Rosemary @ Ali, @Luke for you views on today's theme We are now on the last call session for this theme. Tomorrow we have an Open day, a chance to raise any issue to Safaricom that we may not have covered over the last five days. Lets have any final views on Tech & Election over the next 5hrs or so. regards. walu. From: Grace B via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: Grace B <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 10, 2017 5:49 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & Elections @Walu, as far as I can tell there is no direct law under which the Internet can be switched off. But there could be other views on the matter. My question to Safaricom is what they would do in the event that they were directed to shut down the Internet in part or in whole. Would they honour such a request? 2017-02-10 16:59 GMT+03:00 Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>: Dear Listers,My query is in regards to data protection and privacy in regards to the use of Safaricom users telephone numbers.There have been several instances of text messages and calls from political aspirants.How does Safaricom protect our data especially the data we give at registration and during m-pesa transactions? How does Safaricom protect the treasure trove of data it has in regards to Kenyans? Kind regards,Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu Advocate-FinTech and ICT Policy On 10 Feb 2017 13:12, "Walubengo J via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote: Good points Ali, my extra worry is on Internet Shutdowns; seeing that it has become fashionable in Africa. According to the latest CA Quarterly Statistics, there about 31 million internet users in Kenya. Of whom, 21million access internet through Safaricom links (67%). With a single switch, Safcom can therefore switch off 67% of Kenyans from the Net. Will they or can they do it? | | Statistics | | As we await their response, maybe lawyers can tell us under which conditions (law+procedure) can the internet be shutdown in Kenya. walu. From: Ali Hussein <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> To: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > Sent: Friday, February 10, 2017 11:01 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & Elections Walu Thanks for keeping the conversation going. My questions/comments are:- 1. With Safaricom's wide network could we get a mapping of where the gaps for connectivity are in relation to Polling Stations? It would be great to see which Polling Stations will have limited or no connectivity during the elections so that we can plan to mitigate that eventually now. 2. Would it be asking too much for Safaricom to liaise with USF/CA on the above to better identify the gaps? 3. A Internet Shutdown request is a real possibility after media reports quoting DG Wangusi of CA. http://www.iafrikan.com/2017/ 01/14/the-kenyan-government-wi ll-only-shut-down-the-internet -during-elections-if-things- get-out-of-hand/ Will Safaricom as a matter of public interest commit to tell the public in case this order is something that must be enforced due to 'National Security' matters? Ali HusseinPrincipalHussein & Associates+254 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassimSkype: abu-jomoLinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.c om/in/alihkassim "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." ~ Aristotle Sent from my iPad On 10 Feb 2017, at 8:07 AM, Walubengo J via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote: Morning Listers, As we go into the general elections,Safaricom is likely to be one of the Technology providers for IEBC. What arethe concerns of users/citizens on this matter? Guidelineissues:a) What assurances are there that theresults transmitted are will safe, secure and verifiable?b) What are the chances of failure inthe transmission system?c) Should the result transmission systembe mobile (GSM)-based or should we go Satellite or both?d) Will Safcom play along in the event that Government demands an Internet shut-down before, during or after elections? Lets have more questions, views or comments. walu.--Thematic areas--1. Consumer Issues Day, 2. Competition Issues Day, 3. Innovators, Innovations &Suppliers Day, 4. Infrastructure & Universal AccessDay, 5. Technology & Elections Day 6. Emerging Issues/AoB Day ______________________________ _________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m ailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTA Net/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m ailman/options/kictanet/info%4 0alyhussein.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(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m ailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTA Net/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m ailman/options/kictanet/chemuk oechk%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(a)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 L.N. Mutung'u Skype: gracebomu Twitter: @Bomu <http://www.diplointernetgovernance.org/profile/GraceMutungu> PGP ID : 0x33A3450F _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/jwalu%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.

2 1

Open Position for an ICT Manager
by Evans Ikua 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

*Our client is looking to fill the position outlined below:* *Key Roles and Responsibilities *The ICT Manager will be responsible for the function’s objectives across the group / region / country, working closely with global, regional, local stakeholders to ensure that Upesi&Ngao Credit businesses have sufficient and appropriate coverage for our custody needs in non-presence countries and footprint markets. Working with the Operational Manager and ICT staff in other regional offices to provide effective IT systems, ensure implementation of IT standards and policies, and provide technology support and solutions to meet the needs of the organization. The ICT Manager will support the overall technology infrastructure for all branches including planning, implementation and SUPPORT of the software applications and hardware infrastructure that run operations. The ICT Manager will be involved in systems administration including: general computer support; upgrades; software installations; license management; server maintenance support; deployment of equipment;; end user support. S/he will be in charge of providing user training on common business applications and use of ICT systems. The ICT Manager will also be responsible for managing or contributing to various IT projects. This will include: assessment of Applications and technology; formulating and presenting solution options to the Operational Manager; advising on the equipment or software selection process; overseeing implementation of ICT systems and key project deliverables. Supported technologies include but are not limited to: Money Transfer Platforms, wired and wireless networks, storage systems, Microsoft Active Directory, Windows OS, MS Office suites, end user workstations, /laptops and various proprietary and commercial software applications and hardware. - *Risk Management* – ensure adherence to all the established standards associated with the selection of service providers and the on-going monitoring, managing and addressing of any risks associated with custody relationships (both 3rd party and Ngao’s footprint custodians). - Protect vulnerable networks, following detailed risk assessments. Reporting on deign, validation, acceptance testing and implementation of secure, networked communications across remote sites for the company. - Conduct due diligences on custody relationships in accordance to policies and procedures, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. - Reporting of findings/assessments to key stakeholders and make follow up actions to ensure closure of risk items in a timely manner. - Collaborate with businesses/stakeholders to ensure their custody requirements are met. - Support expansion plans across Wealth, PvB, FM and TB which requires custody services across the globe. - Support network expansion strategies, in alignment with established functional standards and assigned Key Performance Indicators, as well as group TB business objectives. - Participate and support senior level relationship management of financial institutions to ensure alignment of these provider relationships with Ngao’s strategic objectives. - Reviews of business continuity management (BCM) and IT disaster recovery planning (DRP) 1. COBIT|15027001|PCI DSS benchmarking 2. Ability to spearhead integrations. - System security review*:* 1. Infrastructure security reviews. 2. Database security risk and controls reviews i.e. Oracle, SQL. 3. Conducts detailed security reviews for key database (Oracle, MySQL and DB2) and active directories and advise anthem based on risk identified. 4. Business process risk &control reviews. 5. Pre and post implementation systems review. *Qualifications and Skills* - A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field from a regionally accredited institution - Possess current CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification - At least 3 years experience of recent professional experience in IT risk management information security. - 1 or more years professional experience with current network security protocols, hardware and software - knowledge of MS SQL Server and Transact-SQL - Programming knowledge Preferably in Microsoft .Net. - Knowledge in Network infrastructure design. - knowledge in Cisco router and switch configuration - One or more conversant with the following firewalls: Checkpoint, CISCO, and FORTIGATE. - Ability to establish network specifications by conferring with users; analyzing workflow, access, information, and security requirements; designing router administration, including interface configuration and routing protocols. - Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills - Effective communicator and negotiator - Ability to make strategies plans and decisions. - Excellent in strategy and understanding complex adaptive challenges and adjust and react as required in line with the company goals and objectives. - A individual with an innate drive to achieve high standards of risk and compliance management - Experience in handling servers and related access management control. - Ability to work independently to troubleshoot performs root cause analysis, identify and isolate - .providing service delivery to a portfolio of clients and deliver high quality IT risk assurance and information security services including preparing and reviewing work plans and actual work. - Achieving team and individual budgets and business plan/performance objectives. - Managing client relationships to ensure satisfactory delivery. - Network and system security. - Vulnerability assessment. - Penetration testing. - Web application security testing. - IT risk management. - Internal & external audit. - General computer controls. - System post implementation review. - C++, BASH, JAVA/Android programing. - Keeping leadership fully abreast on engagement deliverables and incorporating their inputs into work plans. - Think strategically about client needs by understanding their business and key risk involving with working with them - Monitor and supervise the team. - Provide training and performance feedback to staff. - Overseeing compliance with the firm risk, independence and Quality requirements in the delivery of engagement. - Participation in research and recommendation of improved infrastructure processes and technologies to include growth planning. - Work with service providers to ensure smooth operations. - Development and implementation of IT policies and manual documentation of processes, procedures, and troubleshooting guides. - Provide software and system troubleshooting and support. - Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and update operating systems and user applications and software patching. - Ensure compliance with the regulator are met - Ensure business information security comply with the changes in global trends. If interested, Please send your application letter and CV to trevor(a)ngaocredit.com -- *----------------------------------------------------Kind Regards,Evans Ikua,* Twitter: @ikuae Cell: +254-722-955831

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & Elections
by Walubengo J 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Good points Ali, my extra worry is on Internet Shutdowns; seeing that it has become fashionable in Africa. According to the latest CA Quarterly Statistics, there about 31 million internet users in Kenya. Of whom, 21million access internet through Safaricom links (67%). With a single switch, Safcom can therefore switch off 67% of Kenyans from the Net. Will they or can they do it? | | Statistics | | As we await their response, maybe lawyers can tell us under which conditions (law+procedure) can the internet be shutdown in Kenya. walu. From: Ali Hussein <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> To: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Friday, February 10, 2017 11:01 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & Elections Walu Thanks for keeping the conversation going. My questions/comments are:- 1. With Safaricom's wide network could we get a mapping of where the gaps for connectivity are in relation to Polling Stations? It would be great to see which Polling Stations will have limited or no connectivity during the elections so that we can plan to mitigate that eventually now. 2. Would it be asking too much for Safaricom to liaise with USF/CA on the above to better identify the gaps? 3. A Internet Shutdown request is a real possibility after media reports quoting DG Wangusi of CA. http://www.iafrikan.com/2017/01/14/the-kenyan-government-will-only-shut-dow… Will Safaricom as a matter of public interest commit to tell the public in case this order is something that must be enforced due to 'National Security' matters? Ali HusseinPrincipalHussein & Associates+254 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassimSkype: abu-jomoLinkedIn: 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 10 Feb 2017, at 8:07 AM, Walubengo J via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Morning Listers, As we go into the general elections,Safaricom is likely to be one of the Technology providers for IEBC. What arethe concerns of users/citizens on this matter? Guidelineissues:a) What assurances are there that theresults transmitted are will safe, secure and verifiable?b) What are the chances of failure inthe transmission system?c) Should the result transmission systembe mobile (GSM)-based or should we go Satellite or both?d) Will Safcom play along in the event that Government demands an Internet shut-down before, during or after elections? Lets have more questions, views or comments. walu.--Thematic areas--1. Consumer Issues Day, 2. Competition Issues Day, 3. Innovators, Innovations &Suppliers Day, 4. Infrastructure & Universal AccessDay, 5. Technology & Elections Day 6. Emerging Issues/AoB Day _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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.

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & Elections
by Walubengo J 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Good points for Safcom to consider and respond. I would add another question: Assuming Safcom will be main transmission provider for the presidential results, what plans do they have in place in case Al-Shabaabs hit their masts on d-day? Ama we just go manual as per the provisions of the revised law? walu. From: Luke O <lukeokelo(a)gmail.com> To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Cc: Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Friday, February 10, 2017 11:01 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & Elections Good morning, Once again Thank you kindly Walubengo for moderating this final but not least opportunity to engage with Safaricom 1) I wish to know if using technology Safaricom will make any provision to allow the general public to verify their votes themselves? 2)Is there a web or mobile platform they can provide that allows each individual voters to act as an independent election monitor and check the results based on your polling station where you just voted? 3) Lastly with regards to level of assurance that transmitted results are safe and secure, what encryption standards are Safaricom using to transmit the results? 4) Will the encrypted results be shared with any other transmission machines or will they be tallied in a database at the polling site before final relay to Nairobi? I think as a private and non-biased telecom provider in the upcoming elections, its most probable for Safaricom to build capacity to monitor the digital footpath of the votes both from a security point of view as well as transmission point of view, This will allow for forensic audit and verification later on in case a dispute arises Thank you kindlyLukeO On Feb 10, 2017 08:10, "Walubengo J via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Morning Listers, As we go into the general elections,Safaricom is likely to be one of the Technology providers for IEBC. What arethe concerns of users/citizens on this matter? Guidelineissues:a) What assurances are there that theresults transmitted are will safe, secure and verifiable?b) What are the chances of failure inthe transmission system?c) Should the result transmission systembe mobile (GSM)-based or should we go Satellite or both?d) Will Safcom play along in the event that Government demands an Internet shut-down before, during or after elections? Lets have more questions, views or comments. walu.--Thematic areas--1. Consumer Issues Day, 2. Competition Issues Day, 3. Innovators, Innovations &Suppliers Day, 4. Infrastructure & Universal AccessDay, 5. Technology & Elections Day 6. Emerging Issues/AoB Day ______________________________ _________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/ lukeokelo%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.

1 0

Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 5 of 6 (Friday): Technology & Elections
by Walubengo J 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Morning Listers, As we go into the general elections,Safaricom is likely to be one of the Technology providers for IEBC. What arethe concerns of users/citizens on this matter? Guidelineissues: a) What assurances are there that theresults transmitted are will safe, secure and verifiable? b) What are the chances of failure inthe transmission system? c) Should the result transmission systembe mobile (GSM)-based or should we go Satellite or both? d) Will Safcom play along in the event that Government demands an Internet shut-down before, during or after elections? Lets have more questions, views or comments. walu.--Thematic areas--1. Consumer Issues Day, 2. Competition Issues Day, 3. Innovators, Innovations &Suppliers Day, 4. Infrastructure & Universal AccessDay, 5. Technology & Elections Day 6. Emerging Issues/AoB Day

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Save the date for the 3 days of sharing, learning and networking at the 5th Africa Domain Name System- DNS Forum 2017!
by Barrack Otieno 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Save the date for the 3 days of sharing, learning and networking at the 5th Africa Domain Name System- DNS Forum 2017! Date: 26-28 July 2017 Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Venue: TBC What is the Africa DNS Forum? The Africa Domain Name System Forum is an annual open event for stakeholders in the Domain Name Industry in Africa organized by Africa Top Level Domains Organization (AfTLD), the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society. The objective of the three-day event is to help the African domain name industry in Africa to grow at a competitive rate and ensure that the continent is on par with the rest of the world. Who should attend? Registries, registrars, resellers, registrants DNS experts, government representatives, policy makers from the African region and beyond as well as entrepreneurs interested in investing in the African Domain Name space. Why should you attend? More that 200 technical people, business people and government representatives drawn from all over Africa are expected to take part in this multi stakeholder Forum where they will be leading interesting discussions highlighting opportunities in the African Domain Name industry. This will be the fifth African DNS Forum following events in Durban, South Africa (2013), Abuja, Nigeria (2014), Nairobi, Kenya (2015) and Marrakech, Morocco (2016). More information about the event to be shared in the coming weeks Réservez ces dates pour les 3 jours de partage d’informations, d’apprentissage et de networking à l’occasion de la 5ème édition du forum de système de noms de domaine africain de l’an 2017 ! Date : 26-28 Juillet 2017 Pays : Dar es Salaam, Tanzanie Lieu : À confirmer Qu’est-ce le forum de système de noms de domaine africain ? Le forum de système de noms de domaine africain est un évènement annuel ouvert pour toutes les parties prenantes de l’industrie de noms de domaine en Afrique, organisé par l’organisation des domaines africaines de premier niveau (AfTLD), la Société pour l'attribution des noms de domaine et des numéros sur Internet (ICANN) et l’Internet Society. L’objectif de cet évènement de 3 jours est d’aider l’industrie de noms de domaine africain en Afrique à se développer à une vitesse compétitive et à assurer que le continent soit sur un pied d’égalité avec le reste du monde . Qui devrait y participer? Les registres, les opérateurs de registre, les revendeurs, ceux qui se sont enregistrés, les experts de système de noms, les représentants de Gouvernements, les décideurs politiques provenant de la région africaine et d’au-delà ainsi que les entrepreneurs intéressés à investir dans le cadre du nom de domaine africain. Pourquoi y participer? Plus de 200 personnes issues des milieux technique, commercial et gouvernemental de l’Afrique entière prendront part à ce forum à multiples parties prenantes. Lors de ces réunions se tiendront plusieurs discussions intéressantes mettant en évidence les opportunités de l’industrie de noms de domaine en Afrique. Cette version représentera la 5ème édition du forum venant après les éditions de Durban, en Afrique du Sud (2013), d’Abuja, au Nigeria (2014), de Nairobi, au Kenya (2015) et du Marrakech, au Maroc (2016). Plus d'informations sur l'événement seront partagés dans les semaines à venir -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 4 of 6 (Thursday):-Infrastructure & Universal Access
by Walubengo J 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

Thanx all for your valuable comments yesterday on Innovations. We now kick-off Day 4 theme on Infrastructure and Universal access. Feel free to squeeze in belated questions on previous themes - as long as you keep the relevant subject line. Safaricom has continued to expand itsnetwork beyond urban areas. But what has been your experience of Safaricomservices in semi-urban and rural areas of Kenya? a) Rural area:-Voice quality, InternetAccess(bandwidth), Mobile Money (MPESA) b) Safaricom contributes to the UniversalService Fund to extend communications to underserved areas- how has thisimpacted your rural communities c) The government has the National Optical Fiber Infrastructure, to what extend does Safcom use/not use it and why?d) To provide services to under-served areas, the Universal Service Fund has been provision with Safaricom being the largest contributor, how effective is this fund? It's a mix of questions and experiences. Floor is open till midnite today on this one. Lets hear you views. walu.

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 4 of 6 (Thursday):-Infrastructure & Universal Access
by Odhiambo Washington 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

On 9 February 2017 at 13:54, Kevin Kamonye via kictanet < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > Do you have/ have you had plans to roll out services in other countries. > What are/were the challenges experienced. > > I think the current Kenya-only limited market share and the demands of > better margins from investors could be the key reason that we are always > feeling the pinch of your pricing. > > Also, it seems like am getting congestion along Naivasha Rd; calls > sometimes take a while to connect or they do so without any ringing tone. > More people are moving into the area, kindly see what to do about this and > even better 3G (at least) coverage. > > Kevin > Kevin, I thought this issue along Naivasha Rd was only affecting me. Thanks for highlighting! -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft."

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Talk-2-Safaricom
by Odhiambo Washington 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

Hello Skunkers, You mean you guys have nothing to Talk-2-Safaricom about? The discussion that John Walu posted here? Aki nyinyi.. only lurking?? :-) 240+ members have nothing to say, for sure? Awuoro. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft."

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 4 of 6 (Thursday):-Infrastructure & Universal Access
by Walubengo J 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

Good questions @ Barrack and @ Rosemary. Lets get some more. Am sure Steve(Safaricom) is listening. walu. From: Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu <chemukoechk(a)gmail.com>; Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2017 10:58 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Talk-2-Safaricom, Day 4 of 6 (Thursday):-Infrastructure & Universal Access My query is in regards to the quality of data and voice the quality heavily deteriorates just past major towns and cities. Is there a plan to ensure better service delivery? Kind regards, Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu Advocate-FinTech and ICT Policy On 9 Feb 2017 09:10, "Barrack Otieno via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Hi Walu, 1. What is Safaricoms policy on Infrastructure sharing?, my question regards Community ISP's that may want to piggy back on its masts. What are the charges and guidelines? Regards On Thu, Feb 9, 2017 at 8:29 AM, Walubengo J via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote: > Thanx all for your valuable comments yesterday on Innovations. We now > kick-off Day 4 theme on Infrastructure and Universal access. Feel free to > squeeze in belated questions on previous themes - as long as you keep the > relevant subject line. > > Safaricom has continued to expand its network beyond urban areas. But what > has been your experience of Safaricom services in semi-urban and rural areas > of Kenya? > > a) Rural area:-Voice quality, Internet Access(bandwidth), Mobile Money > (MPESA) > b) Safaricom contributes to the Universal Service Fund to extend > communications to underserved areas- how has this impacted your rural > communities > c) The government has the National Optical Fiber Infrastructure, to what > extend does Safcom use/not use it and why? > d) To provide services to under-served areas, the Universal Service Fund has > been provision with Safaricom being the largest contributor, how effective > is this fund? > > It's a mix of questions and experiences. Floor is open till midnite today on > this one. Lets hear you views. > > walu. > > > > ______________________________ _________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)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.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. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A ______________________________ _________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/ chemukoechk%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(a)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/jwalu%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.

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Laptop & PC Recommendations...
by Michael Bullut 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

Greetings Team, I am looking for the aforementioned with the following specifications: *1) Laptop:* - *RAM:* 4 GB *(or higher).* - *Hard Disk Capacity:* 500 GB *(or higher).* - *Processor:* Intel Core i5 *(if unavailable, Intel Core i3).* - *Brand:* HP. *2) PC:* - *RAM:* 4 GB (or higher). - *Hard Disk Capacity:* 500 GB *(or higher).* - *Processor:* Intel Core i3 *(Intel Core i5, if available).* - *Brand:* HP. Warm regards, Michael Bullut. --- *Cell:* *+254 723 393 114.**Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* *Twitter:* * @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/>* *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/ <http://www.kipsang.com/>* *E-mail:* *main(a)kipsang.com <main(a)kipsang.com>* *---*

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] SFLC.in launches information portal, 'internetshutdowns.in'
by Barrack Otieno 09 Feb '17

09 Feb '17

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Richard Hill <rhill(a)hill-a.ch> Date: Wed, Feb 8, 2017 at 9:16 PM Subject: [Internet Policy] SFLC.in launches information portal, 'internetshutdowns.in' To: "internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org" <InternetPolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> FYI -----Original Message----- From: Forum [mailto:forum-bounces@justnetcoalition.org] On Behalf Of Mishi Choudhary Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 19:06 To: Forum@Justnetcoalition. Org Subject: [JNC - Forum] SFLC.in launches information portal, 'internetshutdowns.in' Dear All, SFLC.in launched 'http://www.internetshutdowns.in <http://internetshutdowns.in/>', a new portal, that includes an interactive map with detailed records of instances,where blanket bans on internet services were imposed in India. Till date, our data reflects 62 incidents of Internet shutdowns across various regions in 12 states, with 30 being reported in 2016 itself, and 4 instances in the first month of 2017. It also revealed that the number of shutdowns increased more than two fold from 14 in 2015 to 30 in 2016. Mishi Choudhary, President and Legal Director at SFLC.in said, "There is a global consensus that access to Internet is a human right, in a digital and connected world. Yet, many countries block Internet services as responses to conflict situations, or even for trivial reasons such as to prevent cheating during examinations. Unfortunately, these shutdowns not only imperil civil liberties, but also grievously hurt the economy, as a recent report by the US policy think-tank Brookings Institution showed. The shutdowns in 2015-16 cost Indian businesses an estimated amount of $968 million (Rs 6,485 crore). As the pace of shutdowns increases, the costs will mount, particularly given the new emphasis on transactions by Internet payment systems linked to Aadhaar. Shutdowns are a very imprecise means of achieving any social end, imposing immense collateral damage. In democracies, essential social facilities should not be turned off by the State, which acts in the peoples' interests. The dependence on mobile Internet services for public safety and order, education, business, and family life is a fact of our existence. It should not be intentionally broken by government, pursuing one form of 'law and order' at the expense of all other social functioning." "Internet shutdowns are a global, not merely an Indian problem," said Ms Choudhary. "SFLC.in has been working with Access Now on its global campaign to study and reverse the adoption of shutdown policies around the world. We acknowledge their assistance and leadership in this area." This resource portal also provides users with the option to report an Internet shutdown in their vicinity to keep the shutdown tracker up to date with disruptions SFLC.in has recently written to the Additional Secretary of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Dr. Ajay Kumar requesting him to take requisite action to ensure that stable and reliable Internet services are assured to citizens, especially at a time when the Digital India programme is encouraging e-governance initiatives and the Government is advocating for transactions through cashless modes. Per SFLC.in's record, the state of Jammu and Kashmir has experienced highest number of shutdowns (27 since 2012). Out of the total 62 shutdowns recorded since 2012, 44 were targeted at mobile Internet services, 8 targeted both, fixed-line and mobile Internet services, while no conclusive information was available for 10 incidents and no shutdowns targeting fixed-line services alone were recorded during their period of study. ### About SFLC.in: SFLC.IN is a donor supported legal services organisation that brings together lawyers, policy analysts, technologists, and students to protect freedom in the digital world. SFLC.IN promotes innovation and open access to knowledge by helping developers make great Free and Open Source Software, protect privacy and civil liberties for citizens in the digital world by educating and providing free legal advice and help policy makers make informed and just decisions with the use and adoption of technology. You can support <https://www.instamojo.com/@SFLCin> their work by making tax-deductible donations and providing feedback. *Software Freedom Law Centre* *K-9, second floor, Jangpura Extension, New Delhi, India* *www.sflc.in * *email: mail(a)sflc.in * *Ph: 011-43587126* -- _______________________________________________ To manage your ISOC subscriptions or unsubscribe, please log into the ISOC Member Portal: https://portal.isoc.org/ Then choose Interests & Subscriptions from the My Account menu. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] Day 3 of 6 (Wednesday) :-Innovators, Innovations & Suppliers
by Walubengo J 08 Feb '17

08 Feb '17

@Kieti, Am with you on this. Indeed many have said Bitcoin (crytpo-currency) will kill MPESA. Whereas that maybe true or not, I think Safcom has to think beyond Bitcoin and harness the underlying Blockchain technology. So the question would be whether or not Safaricom has a Blockchain Strategy that innovators can then begin to play around with. I think that would be a game-changer as opposed to trying to block the inevitable reality of crypto-currencies. walu. From: John Kieti <jkieti(a)gmail.com> To: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Cc: "skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke" <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 2:58 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 3 of 6 (Wednesday) :-Innovators, Innovations & Suppliers Good afternoon, My take on Safaricom and the innovation ecosystem / community is that although they have evolved slowly, Safaricom has contributed significantly and positively to our collective innovativeness as an economy. That we have moved beyond demanding an API for Mpesa and now we are talking about the API's openness is progress. That Safaricom's Spark Fund has invested in Sendy and other startups is laudable. That Safaricom entered useful partnerships with for likes of iCow, EnezaEducation, and Craft Silicon (Little Cabs), Mledger (acquisition) and many other startups must not be downplayed. That Safaricom gave free bandwidth to iHub for several years and sponsored activities at iLabAfrica is laudable. That said, I would wish Safaricom embraced open innovation and co-entrepreneurship more. For instance it was quite short sighted the way Safaricom flexed its muscle on Kipochi / Kopokopo, and BitPesa / Lipisha Consortium with regard to the BitCoin gateway for M-Pesa top ups and withdrawals. If I were them, I would embrace these startups and others building on block chain technology to further disrupt the Financial Services sector. It does not make sense for Safaricom / Mpesa to embrace the plastic card technology side of FinTech as they are doing with the M-Pesa card while frustrating the block-chain side. By and large let us give credit where its due. Safaricom has truly pushed the limits of innovation to increase value for its shareholders who include our Government. They just need to do more to figure out an ecosystem / collaborative approach to innovation. If they do that, we shall collectively and successfully attack the global marketplace for gains to our national economy. Just my 20 cents. On Wed, Feb 8, 2017 at 1:54 PM, Walubengo J via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: @Ahmed, Do you mind clarifying a few things. I take it that you agree that Safcoms APIs are not too open. Particularly the payment solution. I presume that would be the MPESA platform which seems limited or restricted to some chosen few developers. Further you say that solutions built around the MPESA APIs are not scaleable to other domains and you seem to suggest a better option out of this. What would this option be? Are you suggesting that rather than trying to plug into MPESA through APIs, MPESA should be released and sold as a module that developers can plug into just about anything they need to - and pay royalties to Safcom on per use basis? walu. From: Ahmed Mohamed Maawy <ultimateprogramer(a)gmail.com> To: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > Cc: "skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke" <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 12:29 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 3 of 6 (Wednesday) :-Innovators, Innovations & Suppliers I will ask 2 questions as a Solutions Architect myself: - As a solutions developer, Safaricom does not provide its platform openly to allow 3rd party integration as does other service providers. And even if some lucky 3rd party do it, the flexibility to implement the solution to meet a diverse set of needs is quite limiting. Somehow makes a lot of us feel as if the payment solution is a "premium access" product available to specific players. The Safaricom API is not a convenient way out of it. Bootsrapping a solution around the API itself requires dedicated develper(s). For instance, stripe payments makes payment gateway integration part of the process not a separate development process. - Where is the guarantee (legally binding) also that I can deploy freely a solution based on your payment platform without it being replicated? On Wed, Feb 8, 2017 at 12:20 PM, Walubengo J via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote: Good point @ Mildred, What role can Safcom play in promoting our own version of 'Nollywood'? During Ndemo days, there was talk of 'Riverwood' productions from River Road, Nairobi. Looks like they died a silent death? walu. From: Mildred Achoch <mildandred(a)gmail.com> To: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > Cc: "skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke" <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 3 of 6 (Wednesday) :-Innovators, Innovations & Suppliers Good morning everyone, Thank you to the KICTANET moderators and Safaricom for this opportunity to engage. First, I would like to echo Grace B's sentiments. Thank you Safaricom for being in almost every part of Kenya. It goes a long way in assuring me that you guys will be around for a long time. Secondly, kudos for being one of the first companies in Kenya to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals) Regarding the fact that you are in almost every part of Kenya, my question is: is there a way you can partner with Kenyan filmmakers to promote Kenyan films and series/web series? Especially the work of independent and upcoming filmmakers who usually don't have the connections or resources to plug into the existing broadcasting/screening channels. I applaud innovative initiatives such as Skiza tunes and Blaze. These say to me that similar initiatives can be implemented to promote Kenyan filmmakers. Media convergence is already here with us; as a market leader, Safaricom should be at the forefront of innovative initiatives related to this. Regards, Mildred Achoch. Check out the Rock 'n' roll film festival, Kenya TV Channel! http:// kenyarockfilmfestivaljournal. blogspot.com On Wed, Feb 8, 2017 at 8:11 AM, Walubengo J via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote: Morning Listers, As usual, feel free to do belated questions for Safaricom on previous thematic areas. However, today we want to move onto Day 3 Theme - Innovators, Innovations & Suppliers. I have copied in the innovators on Skunkworks and hope to hear their views as well. So straight into the theme: Safaricom has been quite innovative andkeeps coming up with new ways of doing things. As an innovator/developer/supplier, please tell us your experiences with regard to Safaricom Innovation as well as theirprocurement ecosystem. a) Is their development platform and applicationprogrammable interface (API) sufficiently open?b) Are the issues to do withIntellectual property /Patents/Procurement clear and adequate?c) Whereas the gain-sharing agreementsare private and confidential, how can they be made better?d) What is Safcom take onBitcoin/Blockchain technologies? Lets hear your views, experiences and proposals. We have only one day on this. walu.----List of Themes---1. Consumer Issues Day, 2. Competition Issues Day, 3. Innovators, Innovations &Suppliers Day, 4. Infrastructure & Universal AccessDay, 5. Technology & Elections Day ______________________________ _________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/ mildandred%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(a)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/ ultimateprogramer%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. -- Ahmed Maawy Principal Product Management Specialist - Al Jazeera Media Network Skype: ultimateprogramer ______________________________ _________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)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/ jkieti%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. -- John Kieti Phone: +254-735-764242 // +254-722-764242 Twitter: @johnKieti // Skype: jkieti Blog: gmeltdown.com // LinkedIn: https://ke.linkedin.com/in/kieti The ordinary just won't do

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Day 3 of 6 (Wednesday) :-Innovators, Innovations & Suppliers
by Walubengo J 08 Feb '17

08 Feb '17

Morning Listers, As usual, feel free to do belated questions for Safaricom on previous thematic areas. However, today we want to move onto Day 3 Theme - Innovators, Innovations & Suppliers. I have copied in the innovators on Skunkworks and hope to hear their views as well. So straight into the theme: Safaricom has been quite innovative andkeeps coming up with new ways of doing things. As an innovator/developer/supplier, please tell us your experiences with regard to Safaricom Innovation as well as theirprocurement ecosystem. a) Is their development platform and applicationprogrammable interface (API) sufficiently open? b) Are the issues to do withIntellectual property /Patents/Procurement clear and adequate? c) Whereas the gain-sharing agreementsare private and confidential, how can they be made better? d) What is Safcom take onBitcoin/Blockchain technologies? Lets hear your views, experiences and proposals. We have only one day on this. walu.----List of Themes---1. Consumer Issues Day, 2. Competition Issues Day, 3. Innovators, Innovations &Suppliers Day, 4. Infrastructure & Universal AccessDay, 5. Technology & Elections Day

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