[Kictanet] Workshop to discuss ICT Strategy Paper

[Harry Hare]

Dear Walu et al,

You have valid points in your posting, but I must admit that the document is
a very good starting point. And what make me even happier is that it
originates from the government (I hope im right on this) so ownership within
government is almost guaranteed. We cannot for instance wait until we have
sound infrastructure before inviting investors...the same investors can be
given incentives to develop infrastructure.

Now, what is important is to look at this document as input into a serious
brainstorm without loosing the objective of the strategy...creating 10,000
jobs in six months, that should be the "mantra". Like Walu, I will not be
present so we beg to be informed.

Harry 


-----Original Message-----
From: kictanet-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com at kictanet.or.ke
[mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com at kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of
John Walubengo
Sent: 24 January 2006 07:37
To: harry at aitecafrica.com
Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Workshop to discuss ICT Strategy Paper

Hi Brian,

I just thought I would share my reactions in advanced given that I may
arrive later (or not) due some other meeting on the same day.

The paper seems to be hurriedly cobbled together, ideas are
good and factual BUT they have NOT been contextualised
within the Kenyan environment.

For example, the paper semms to emphasise a lot on outsourcing
projects (call centers, BPOs, etc) and the proposal  to market
Kenya as the hot destination for the same (BPOs, Call Center,etc) by March
2006. 

My worry is that if we  market Kenya from this dimension,
when our domestic infrastructure if far being ready to
handle the resulting/impact of such a would be succesfull marketing
campaign, then we create a disaster.  The first 3 or 5
investors would get in, get burned and get out.  And then
the rest would learn - from the bad experiences of the
first few - and then probably never step in Kenya again. {might be good to
hear the challenges of the 2 or 3  BPOs who've been in Kenya for the last
2years, and why the number has not grown}

In other words this ICT strategy looks at what Kenya should be
in 5-10years time  but tries to set milestones for the same within a  1year
bracket.  So, to me theres is need to be honest with what can be achieved in
the next 1year as we look towards the next 5, 10 years.

The priorities for the next 1year are unfortunately the
'boring' and difficult things that nobody seems to  want to do. 
This includes, but  is not limited to:

i) Regulatory issues: - there's need to ensure that the
Regulator is effectively  independent to monitor and regulate the
industry. Quality standards, Affordability, effective Competition, Consumer
Protection,  remain but some of the challenges CCK seems to avoid.

ii) Government Issues: - there's need to ensure that the
Government plays its role as far as enacting the
appropriate legislations and regulation is concerned. Government should also
ensure that the secondary but supporting infrastructure such
as Electricity, Road networks exist to make it easier for Telecom Operators
to expand their reach. Govt must concretely enhance or institutionalise
Public Private Partnerships (PPP), etc.

iii) Private Sector:- With a strong PPP, there will
definately be opportunities for private sector to pump in
sufficient funds to build and expand the Telecom Infrastructure
(particularly the Fixed Line Network).

iv) Content Development:-We really do not have significant presence on the
internet -as a country.  Most of the Internet Users in Kenya log in to
access international content.  Even percieved local content like
www.nationaudio.com seat on foreign sites.  eGovernment initiates must lead
the way to provide locally relevant content along the lines K.R.A is doing.
Strategies to encourage Universities and Colleges to do the same must be
sought.

To me these are some of  the immediate things to put in place and
they are the ones to be milestoned within a year.  The rest would then
automatically fall in place.

walu.






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