[kictanet] Used Computers

[ikua at lpakenya.org]

I would also like to use this forum to thank Dr Ndemo for keeping a  
very open mind in our discussion on this subject in his office  
yesterday.


Quoting aki <aki275 at googlemail.com>:

> Hello Victor, I'm sorry to have to disgagree on this one, as a techie. I'm
> against the ban on used computers to a certain level and I add my amatuer
> input to this thread. A lot of us started our careers in this industry on
> used computers way back to atari, ibm 286 ( in the 80s ).
>
> We seem to trust 100% studies done and assuming that this time around the
> studies were actually based on hard facts, then such a study does confirm
> that there are thousands of kenyans depend on the used computer industry. It
> would be quite helpful to read these studies done so as to confirm whether
> the problem is used computers or that the failure of no facilites in kenya
> that can handle such waste. Whatever the agencies are pushing for is, am
> sure, for the betterment of the enviroment but they are looking at short
> term solutions.
>
> *I put forward this argument : The same brand new computer that you typed
> this email with will become obsolete in a matter of 2 years due to newer
> apps and technologies. What will you then do with it? Sell it as junk or
> dispose of it? We will be in the same e-waste situation. What will Kenya's
> solution be then? BAN NEW COMPUTERS? *
> **
> Dr Ndemo, please do let us keep open minds on the used computers issue and
> try to create a balance rationale that a lot of kenyans still cannot afford
> a new one. Kenya ICT policies need to ensure that computers penetration into
> almost every home is a reality within a number of years, that we have
> productive kids who have access to computers both at school and at home.
>
> - Wild card comment : To really get the envorimental agencies involved, they
> should also do a study on the air quality in Nairobi around peak traffic
> time and they could possibly confirm to kenyans that we are breathing in
> very unhealthy air. Lets go ahead and ban all those Diesel engines from
> trucks, matatus which should be complying with acceptable pollution
> standards. Let us also get CO testers so that all petrol engine vehicles on
> the roads are tuned to comply with pollution standards. And finally, let us
> not have half baked attempts at resolving enviromental problems. -
>
> This mail is not meant to offend anyone.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Rgds.
> On Sat, Mar 20, 2010 at 1:27 PM, Victor Maloi <victormaloi3 at gmail.com>wrote:
>
>> Listers,
>> I hope everybody read the Thursday Star article on e-waste.  The article
>> quoted a study conducted locally and found out that we import thousands of
>> tons in e-waste from developed countries.  Environmental agencies are
>> concerned.  For every one used computer that ends up being used, there are
>> ten to be juncked or to be used for canibalizing.  Do we really need this in
>> the country?  In my view we should support the Government's proposal to ban
>> the imports.  My brief research shows those supporting this effort are
>> themselves in the used electronics industry.  In all honest the benefits do
>> not justify our continued use of other people's waste.  PS Ndemo said we can
>> lower the cost of new computers to equal that of the used computer.  Why can
>> we not pursue this?
>>
>>
>> Victor.
>>
>>
>