[kictanet] FW: March 2009 Meeting in Kenya - Warnings

[Barrack Otieno]

I guess there would be no harm if some collaboration of sorts with KTB or
Brand Kenya were involved in the process much as they are not ICT bodies,
they exist purely for reasons such as this, there could be some usefull
lessons to be learnt from them , in my humble opinion, the success of this
event will depend on an array of stakeholders who need to be looped in well
in advance since the dates are fast approaching, nothing should be left to
chance.
Regards

On Sat, Dec 12, 2009 at 9:05 AM, Harry Delano <harry at comtelsys.co.ke> wrote:

>
> Wamuyu,
>
> While I agree with you, it would also be quite important and helpful to get
> some insight, on ICANN's official position following
> these security 'advisories' since we cannot just assume all is well.
>
> So I think Walu is right, in trying to get some perspective from those on
> the list affiliated to ICANN, and who can infact  help
> present a better one..
>
> Last thing we expect is  a last minute switch of this crucial meeting to
> some other venue by the organisers due to 'credible'
> security concerns..
>
> Harry
>
>
>  ------------------------------
>  *From:* kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke at lists.kictanet.or.ke[mailto:
> kictanet-bounces+harry <kictanet-bounces%2Bharry>=comtelsys.co.ke@
> lists.kictanet.or.ke] *On Behalf Of *Wamuyu Gatheru
> *Sent:* Thursday, December 10, 2009 5:19 PM
> *To:* harry at comtelsys.co.ke
>
> *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] FW: March 2009 Meeting in Kenya - Warnings
>
>  ICANN meet planners,
>
> My experience with having worked in a foreign mission is that these
> warnings are primarily aimed to offer the highest possible security/safety
> information to their citizens. The last thing a diplomat or foreign service
> wish for is a citizen to come across any harm that she/he should have been
> warned about. The ramifications for the diplomat/Ambassador or even his/her
> govt could be very serious if an attack story got political momentum. These
> considerations are far higher than concern for the host country's interest.
>
> So these countries are unlikely to change their advisories.
>
> What the advisories do not do that the ICANN meeting planners have to do is
> provide perspective. For example while car jackings are still a concern they
> have significantly reduced in comparison to say 9 years ago. Getting some
> data for ICANN distribution would help. Also comparing the crime rates to a
> few other cities including Jo'burg would be useful to provide perspective -
> I find Jo'burg completely unsettling security wise. Find out how many
> tourists have come in recently and from which European countries they came
> from. But avoid simply pleading your case without credible data - it will
> only look like a PR whitewash.
>
> All the best,
> Wamuyu
>
>  ------------------------------
> *From:* Walubengo J <jwalu at yahoo.com>
> *To:* wamuyulearn at yahoo.co.uk
> *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> *Sent:* Thu, 10 December, 2009 14:20:57
> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] FW: March 2009 Meeting in Kenya - Warnings
>
>   Waudo,
>
> ....this reads like we (Kenyans) are at war!  Whereas most of warning
> content is factual, the perception it creates is relatively exaggerated. We
> urge external partners on the list from IGF, AfriNIC, ICANN, afNOG to
> verbally spread a better message to save the Nairobi ICANN meeting. After
> all Joberg security is considered worse and yet it will still deliver the
> worldcup.
>
> walu.
>
>
> --- On *Thu, 12/10/09, waudo siganga <emailsignet at mailcan.com>* wrote:
>
>
> From: waudo siganga <emailsignet at mailcan.com>
> Subject: [kictanet] FW: March 2009 Meeting in Kenya - Warnings
> To: jwalu at yahoo.com
> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 1:16 PM
>
>   Dear Colleagues- I agree with Marylin. The impact of the advisories
> should be to ensure everyone takes necessary precautions to cover
> possibilities that can happen - with differing probabilities of course - at
> any travel destination. Right now I am attending a conference at a large
> hotel on the Kenyan coast and the facility is filled to capacity with
> tourists from Europe peacefully enjoying their holidays in the sun. I am not
> saying that there are no security concerns in Kenya but I am sure that ICANN
> staff carried out sufficient due diligence before making the decision to
> bring the meeting to Nairobi - so, on the balance, it is safe. Nairobi is an
> acknowledged international conference destination and, together with Vienna
> and Geneva, hosts the only major UN offices outside New York. I also
> understand the Kenya Government is taking extra measures on logistics to
> address any security concerns for ICANN delegates so please feel free to be
> our guest in March.
>
> Kind Regards,
> Waudo
>
>
> On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:52 -0500, "Marilyn Cade" <marilynscade at hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> thanks for posting this.
>
> This an interesting issue.
>
> Venue, venue, venue. and secured transport. All important considerations.
>
> I will also note that thousands of Americans, and thousands of Europeans
> are still traveling to Kenya for tourism purposes... but I will check in
> with the US State Department folks who have this desk and see what I can
> learn.
>
> Just in the last few months, I traveled to several countries where there
> are 'high alerts' for Americans, and followed really strict suggestions on
> being safe on ground, and had no incidents. I will just say that I travel
> pretty extensively, as I did when I worked for a major global corporation,
> and learned the  merits of the low profile approach for an individual.
>
> I also have the benefit of having various ICANN meetings in environments
> where travel was considered 'challenging'.
>
> This is not a comment on ICANN, but a comment that when a government steps
> up to hosting an international event such as hosting a meeting with ICANN,
> they typically step up on security to ensure a positive experience.
>
> We are fortunate to also have a member of the BC who is Kenyan, and a
> former member of the ICANN Board who is Kenyan. Both can help us to decipher
> any issues.
>
> OVERALL, though, it is up to all of us to pay attention to whatever
> 'watch/warning' announcements that come from our governments and to make
> personal decisions.
>
> I do appreciate the opportunity to share perspectives. I will just note
> that approximately a year ago, when the IGF [a related meeting] was held in
> Hyderabad, some from industry were not allowed to travel by their corporate
> employers.
>
> Those of who who were able to attend were exceptionally pleased at the
> Indian government's attention to our concerns about safety.  And we not only
> felt safe, we were safe.
>
> Let's be optimistic about our upcoming Kenya meeting.
>
> A related issue is not safety, but that many of our members may not be able
> to get travel funding. We should also focus on remote participation for all
> our members, so that we have a good experience for members, regardless of
> why they are not in Kenya.
>
> Marilyn Cade
>
>
> ------------------------------
> From: icann at rodenbaugh.com
> To: bc-gnso at icann.org
> Subject: [bc-gnso] FW: [council] FW: [REGYCON] FW: March 2009 Meeting in
> Kenya - Warnings
> Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 16:12:30 -0800
>
>  Members considering travel to Kenya may like to note the following
> information.  I will pass along any other info I get.
>
>
>
> Mike Rodenbaugh
>
> RODENBAUGH LAW
>
> 548 Market Street
>
> San Francisco, CA  94104
>
> (415) 738-8087<http://service.ringcentral.com/ringme/callback.asp?mbid=57178438,0,&referer=http://rodenbaugh.com/contact>
>
> http://rodenbaugh.com
>
> *From:* owner-council at gnso.icann.org [mailto:owner-council at gnso.icann.org]
> *On Behalf Of *Gomes, Chuck
> *Sent:* Wednesday, December 09, 2009 11:28 AM
> *To:* GNSO Council
> *Subject:* [council] FW: [REGYCON] FW: March 2009 Meeting in Kenya -
> Warnings
>
>
>
> The issues of safety and security in Nairobi were discussed today in the
> RySG meeting.  As a result, Jeff Neuman as Vice Chair of the RySG sent the
> following message to Craig Schwartz, Chief Registry Liaison.  I am sending
> this to the full Council because I am sure that all of us considering
> attending the meetings in Kenya have similar concerns and like to receive
> the type of information that the RySG has requested.
>
>
>
> Chuck
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Neuman, Jeff
> *Sent:* Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:39 PM
> *To:* Craig Schwartz
> *Cc:* doug.brent at icann.org; Kurt Pritz; greg.rattray at icann.org; Neuman,
> Jeff
> *Subject:* March 2009 Meeting in Kenya - Warnings
>
>
>
> Craig,
>
>
>
> On the RySG call this morning, a number of members of the RySG expressed
> significant concerns about the meeting in Kenya and on what security
> measures are being taken by ICANN to protect the attendees.  This includes
> not only at the Venue site, but also transportation to and from the airport
> to the hotels as well as travel between the hotels and the venue site (since
> they are not in the same location).   We note that a number of countries
> including the United States, Australia, Germany, the UK, Canada and New
> Zealand have all issues incredibly strong warnings against travel to Kenya.
> See some excerpts we have provided below.  We also understand that ICANN
> intends on spending a considerable amount of money on security measures, but
> to date, we do not know what those are and whether those protections will be
> made available to the attendees other than the ICANN Board and staff.  A
> number of registries have decided to either not attend or send a significant
> lesser number of representatives to the meeting as a result of the travel
> warnings simply because they do not have the resources to spend on the
> security measures that may be required.
>
>
>
> We would appreciate a prompt response on this as we are all in the process
> of making our decisions on whether to attend the meeting and making the
> appropriate accommodations.
>
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> *********************************
>
>
>
>
>
> *United States*
>
> The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to
> Kenya.  American citizens in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya
> should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing
> threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime.
>
>
>
> Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings
> and home invasions/burglaries, can occur at any time and in any location,
> particularly in Nairobi.  As recently as June 2008, U.S. Embassy personnel
> were victims of carjackings.  In the short-term, the continued displacement
> of thousands of people by the recent civil unrest combined with endemic
> poverty and the availability of weapons could result in an increase in
> crime, both petty and violent.  Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to
> deter or investigate such acts or prosecute perpetrators. American citizens
> in Kenya should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal
> security, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as
> clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of
> worship.
>
>
>
>
>
> *CRIME:* There is a high rate of crime in all regions of Kenya,
> particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts.
>
> There are regular reports of attacks against tourists by groups of armed
> assailants. Pickpockets and thieves carry out "snatch and run" crimes on
> city streets and near crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry
> valuables, but rather to store them in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe
> rooms. However, there have been reports of safes being stolen from hotel
> rooms and hotel desk staff being forced to open safes. Walking alone or at
> night, especially in downtown areas, public parks, along footpaths, on
> beaches, and in poorly lit areas, is dangerous and discouraged.
>
>
>
> Violent criminal attacks, including armed carjacking and home
> invasions/burglary, can occur at any time and in any location, and are
> becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, vicious, and often fatal. In early
> 2007, two American citizens were killed and one critically injured in two
> separate carjacking incidents. Nairobi averages about ten vehicle hijackings
> per day and Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and
> investigate such acts. Matatus (public transportation) tend to be targeted
> since they carry up to 14 passengers.
>
>
>
> Although these attacks are often violent, victims are generally not injured
> if they do not resist. There is also a high incidence of residential
> break-ins and occupants should take additional security measures to protect
> their property. Thieves and con artists have been known to impersonate
> police officers, thus Americans are strongly encouraged to ask for
> identification if approached by individuals identifying themselves as police
> officials, uniformed or not.
>
>
>
> Thieves routinely snatch jewelry and other objects from open vehicle
> windows while motorists are either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy
> traffic. Vehicle windows should be up and doors locked regardless of the
> time of day or weather. Thieves on matatus, buses and trains may steal
> valuables from inattentive passengers. Americans should guard their
> backpacks or hand luggage and ensure these items are not left unattended.
> Purchasing items from street vendors is strongly discouraged – visitors
> should only use reputable stores or businesses. Many scams, perpetrated
> against unsuspecting tourists, are prevalent in and around the city of
> Nairobi. Many of these involve people impersonating police officers and
> using fake police ID badges and other credentials.
>
> Nevertheless, police checkpoints are common in Kenya and all vehicles are
> required to stop if directed to do so.
>
> Highway banditry is common in much of North Eastern Province, Eastern
> Province, the northern part of Coast Province, and the northern part of the
> Rift Valley Province. These areas are remote and sparsely populated.
>
>
>
> Incidents also occur occasionally on Kenya's main highways, particularly
> after dark. Due to increased bandit activity, air travel is the recommended
> means of transportation when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of
> Malindi. Travelers to North Eastern Kenya and the North Rift Valley Region
> should travel with the police escorts or convoys organized by the government
> of Kenya.
>
>
>
> There has been an increase in armed banditry in or near many of Kenya’s
> national parks and game reserves, particularly the Samburu, Leshaba, and
> Masai Mara game reserves. In response, the Kenya Wildlife Service and police
> have taken some steps to strengthen security in the affected areas, but the
> problem has not been eliminated. Travelers who do not use the services of
> reputable travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at
> risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that
> there is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency. Solo
> camping is always risky.
>
>
>
>
>
> *Australia*
>
>
>
>
>
>     Crime
>
>
>
> The level of crime in Nairobi is high. Violent crime against Westerners,
> including armed carjacking, kidnapping for ransom and home invasions, occurs
> frequently and can be brazen and brutal. There have been fatalities.
> Anecdotal evidence suggests that foreigners are increasingly being targeted
> in homes, tourist areas and while travelling by road.
>
>
>
> You should avoid walking or travelling after dark or on isolated roads,
> especially in downtown areas, public parks, along footpaths or on beaches,
> and remain vigilant during daylight hours.
>
>
>
> Muggings and burglaries are common, particularly after dark. Jewellery and
> bag-snatching from open vehicle windows frequently occur while motorists are
> either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. When driving, you
> should ensure that windows are up, doors are locked and valuables are out of
> sight.
>
>
>
>   * We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya at
>
>     this time due to the high risk of terrorist attack, civil unrest
>
>     and high crime levels.
>
>   * We are receiving an increasing number of reports that terrorists
>
>     may be planning attacks against a range of targets in Kenya,
>
>     including Kenyan or Western interests. Western embassies, UN
>
>     premises, shopping areas frequented by Westerners, hotels, tourist
>
>     resorts, safari lodges and other places frequented by foreigners
>
>     may be particular targets. In planning your activities, you should
>
>     avoid the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets.
>
>   * Foreign embassies, hotels and commercial airlines in Kenya have
>
>     been targeted by terrorists in the past and remain potential
>
>     targets. See Safety and Security: Terrorism
>
>     <
> http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Kenya#Safety_and_Security
> >
>
>     for details.
>
>
>
>
>
> *Canada*
>
> Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution because of the
> potential of terrorist actions against Western interests throughout Kenya.
> Attacks could occur at any time and could target areas frequented by
> expatriates and foreign travellers. Canadians should be aware that the U.S.
> embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed simultaneously in 1998.
>
>
>
> The potential for carjackings and robberies of tourists travelling to and
> from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi, particularly at
> night, continues to be of concern. Travellers arriving at JKIA should only
> use transportation organized by reputable tour companies or well-marked
> taxis. Currency should not be exchanged in the public areas of the airport.
> Checked luggage may be pilfered at the airport. Travellers should store
> their valuables in securely locked hand luggage and suitcases.
>
>
>
>
>
> Nairobi and its surrounding regions have experienced an increase in violent
> incidents in recent months. There has been a particularly high number of
> incidents involving the Mungiki criminal gang and police forces, following
> the death of several high-level members of the Mungiki sect in April 2008.
> Although the majority of Mungiki-related incidents have been located in and
> around Nairobi, this sect has spread its activities to other parts of the
> country. In April 2009, fighting erupted between residents of the town of
> Karatina in Central province and members of this gang. More than 20 people
> were reportedly killed and several others injured. In recent months, foreign
> nationals have been the victims of daytime carjackings and kidnappings in
> neighbourhoods normally deemed safe during daylight hours. Travellers should
> be vigilant and avoid heavily populated areas of major cities to minimize
> the risk of being caught up in violent clashes. In Nairobi, travellers
> should particularly avoid the Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani, and Eastleigh
> neighbourhoods.
>
>
>
>
>
> *New Zealand*
>
> There is high risk to your security throughout Kenya and we advise against
> all tourist and other non-essential travel due to the threat from terrorism,
> civil unrest and violent crime.
>
> Violent crime including car-jacking, home invasion and armed robbery is
> increasing. These attacks can occur anywhere at anytime and can be fatal.
> New Zealanders are advised to be extremely security conscious at all times
> and avoid travelling at night.
>
>
>
> There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Previous terrorist attacks
> in Kenya have been against visibly Western targets. Particular care should
> be taken in public and commercial areas known to be frequented by foreigners
> including airports, hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, tourist areas,
> embassies, shopping areas, outdoor recreation events and expatriate housing
> areas.
>
>
>
> *UK*
>
> *There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks could be
> indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign
> travelers. Previous attacks have included a bomb attack on a hotel, which
> resulted in significant loss of life, and an unsuccessful attempt to bring
> down a civilian airliner in Mombasa, both in November 2002.
>
>
>
>    Terrorism
>
>
>
> There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks could be
> indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign
> travelers. While there have not been any terrorist attacks in Kenya since
> 2002, we know that Al-Qaeda has the potential to carry out attacks against
> Western targets. The leadership of Al-Shabaab, a Somalia based Islamist
> insurgency group, have publicly threatened to attack Kenya should the Kenyan
> government provide support to the Somali Transitional Federal Government
> (TFG).
>
>
>
>
>
> Muggings and armed attacks by gangs can occur at any time, particularly in
> Nairobi and Mombasa.
>
> Do not carry credit cards or cash cards unless you must:  people have been
> forced by thieves to withdraw cash. Beware of thieves posing as police
> officers; always ask to see identification.
>
>
>
>
>
> *Jeffrey J. Neuman
> Neustar, Inc. / Vice President, Law & Policy*
> 46000 Center Oak Plaza Sterling, VA 20166
> *Office:** *+1.571.434.5772  *Mobile: *+1.202.549.5079  *Fax: *
> +1.703.738.7965 */* jeff.neuman at neustar.biz  */* www.neustar.biz
>     ------------------------------
>
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-- 
Barrack O. Otieno
Administrative Manager
Afriregister Ltd (Ke)
P.o.Box 21682
Nairobi 00100
Tel:
+254721325277
+254733206359
+254202498789
Riara Road, Bamboo Lane
www.afriregister.com
www.afriregister.co.ke
ICANN accredited registrar.
Skype: barrack.otieno
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