[kictanet] My Take: Affordable computers

[Victor Gathara]

Evans,

That's a good point. In Vision 2030 the government is aiming toward
achieving universal access. While the subsidy on laptops is commendable
it does seem counteractive to impose a punitive tax on used computers
that may come into the country with some years of life left in them yet.
Such computers can make their way to schools and Pasha centres
countrywide. I am thinking here of donations of used computers that can
make their way into the country through a regulated and monitored
channel (such as ComputerAid) who will also have responsibility to
ensure EOL disposal according to WEEE standards to prevent dumping of
electronic waste.

Victor


-----Original Message-----
From: kictanet-bounces+v-gathara=dfid.gov.uk at lists.kictanet.or.ke
[mailto:kictanet-bounces+v-gathara=dfid.gov.uk at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On
Behalf Of Evans Ikua
Sent: 27 August 2009 13:56
To: Victor Gathara
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: [kictanet] Affordable computers

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






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