[kictanet] Affordable computers

[Evans Ikua]

Dear listers,
I have reliably learnt that the Uganda Government banned he  
importation of used computers in that country in the last budget.

Then I remember that the PS, Dr Ndemo, said that the reason why we are  
paying 25% duty on used computers in Kenya is because there is an East  
African protocol that demands that used computers must be taxed.

I also remember that the PS has in various fora indicated that its in  
the best interest of his Ministry and the country to put as much  
hardware in the hands of the people as possible.

Having observed in the past that this 25% duty on used computers runs  
counter to OUR strategy to become an ICT powerhouse globally, its now  
clear that we must break from any agreements that we have with our  
neighbours that do not tie in with our own strategies. For instance,  
if Uganda bans used computers, will we be bound to follow suit? What  
if they don't have similar strategies or objectives and they don't  
care about having their citizens access computers?.

Haven't we already done this as far as used motor vehicles are  
concerned? whereas our neighbours have an age limit of 10 years, we  
have stuck to our 8 years and the community is still strong.


-- 
Evans Ikua,
Chairman,
Linux Professional Association of Kenya
Tel: +254-20-2250381, Cell: +254-722 955 831
Eagle House, 2nd Floor
Kimathi Street, Opp. Corner House
www.lpakenya.org