[kictanet] Projects - National Implementation - ICT

Harry Hare harry at africanedevelopment.org
Thu Mar 25 20:14:40 EAT 2010 

Hey Andrew, I agree with you on the ³Golden Nuggets² in the service, I have
worked with some too. But I pointed to a specific carder of officers that
seem to be in short supply in the service. At least from the various
Ministries I have interacted with. And this is not just a Kenya problem, I
have seen it across the region.

Harry


On 3/25/10 6:16 PM, "Gakiria" <gakiria at gmail.com> wrote:

> Dear Harry,
> 
> You rightly mention the existence of a "big skills gap" in Government. While
> this could be true for some cadres like Business technologists as an example,
> i would hesitate to make that a sweeping statement. one thing i have observed
> is that there exists thousands of "Golden Nuggets" scattered all over the
> civil service, and by this i mean officers with specialized and extremely
> advanced skills sets in various critical fields across the board. Am sure you
> will agree with me that Government is the best trainer you can ever get (I
> know of enterprising individuals who aspire to enter the civil service with
> the sole aim of aggressivley exploiting the countless opportunities for
> training offered by Government). The challenge thus becomes, how can we
> sustainably and realistically interconnect these skilled public servants to
> create or achieve critical mass for specific/on going tasks and projects?
> 
>  And for those critical skill sets that are lacking or in very limited supply,
> how can we support their acquisition by civil servants? How many corporates
> are willing to donate part of their CSR or development resources to build a
> critical mass of Animators / Web masters / Business Technologists / Network
> engineers etc..The reality is that corporates will wait for Government to
> invest huge amounts of resources in training its officers then promptly snatch
> them up with attractive job offers. while they cannot be blamed for this, the
> question then becomes, how can we support development and retention of these
> skilled officers in Government? It is in the best interest for all of us to
> have highly skilled civil servants.
> 
> On our part (Kenya e-Learning centre), we are working with the ministry of
> Information and communications and other stakeholders to start the process of
> harnessing our existing knowledge resources and other intangible assets for
> collective and National development objectives. One such initiative is the
> National e-Learning strategy development and implementation team. Skills
> development and transfer will form a core part of this strategy, targetting
> not only civil servants but also the private sector, civil society and
> religious organizations.
> 
> Find attached a training program for the education and training sector as an
> example of course offerings being jointly developed.
> 
> For those of you who can, i urge you to attend the regional e-Learning
> conference at KIE, 29 - 31March 2010 (http://www.icwe.co.ke/elearn2010/)
> 
> Andrew
> 
> On Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 3:27 PM, Harry Hare <harry at africanedevelopment.org>
> wrote:
>> Harry and Dr Ndemo,
>> 
>> The "lone ranger" approach to the implementation of ICT projects in
>> government is not easy to get rid of due to the various interests in these
>> projects at both the ministry and even private sector levels. Minisries
>> fight for budgets for their projects and would always want to control them.
>> 
>> Now, we have a window that we could use to structure the development and
>> adoption of ICT in Government through a consultative development of the
>> "National ICT Masterplan".
>> 
>> I think it is crucial that such a document is developed with a focus of
>> looking at how ICT can assist in redelivering the vision 2030. This will be
>> a holistic approach with a definite target. So all the ministry's will be
>> responsible for implementing their piece of the Masterplan and reading from
>> the same script. The implementation could be domiciled at the Ministry,
>> giving them the ownership, with the supervisory and management role at the
>> ICT Board or any such organisation.
>> 
>> But having said that, there is a serious capacity problem in Government.
>> Having worked with various ministries, I realise that there is a big skills
>> gap of business technologists. The people with business knowledge who can
>> look at the processes/policy and develop a business case for automating that
>> process. These are the guys (inclusive of gals) who would take Dr Ndemo's
>> policy statements and turn them into implementable IT projects. These people
>> normally sit between the policy makers and the techies, cos they understand
>> both worlds.
>> 
>> This is not to disrespect the techies who are actually working out of their
>> depth to initiate and manage complex systems in Government. But with the
>> absence of this carder, the quality of the resulting services and the
>> management of the projects will always be undermined.
>> 
>> My peni mbili.
>> 
>> Harry (Not Delano)
>> 
>> 
>> On 3/25/10 10:17 AM, "Harry Delano" <harry at comtelsys.co.ke> wrote:
>> 
>>> > Dear Ps,
>>> >
>>> > As you can, see I have changed the subject on this thread, so that the
>>> > discussion is not only on a particular project,at the same time not to
>>> > appear to send wrong connotations. We do not intend to cast aspersions on
>>> > any personality.
>>> >
>>> > Frankly, what we concerned with here and would kindly request to be
>>> > addressed, is the tendency by different govt. depts to assume "a go alone"
>>> > approach on matters that involve a lot of stakeholders in different
>>> sectors
>>> > nationally,only for such non consultative projects to hit several "dead
>>> > ends" be declared non-starters with huge cost ramifications, wastage and
>>> > credibility - At best they become "white elephants". Enough of these dot
>>> our
>>> > national landscape, and it's just so saddening that we never seem to
>>> learn.
>>> >
>>> > There are very valid reasons for engaging, to consult widely. Sometimes,
>>> it
>>> > is a good way to get a "Reality check" before jumping.
>>> >
>>> > As far as ICT is concerned, tools, brain resources to tap from and good
>>> will
>>> > are widely available. We can ensure we make effort to have things done
>>> > right.
>>> >
>>> > Possibly if all could adopt an "open door" policy, and engage just as you
>>> > yourself have made effort to, then we would make a lot of progress.
>>> >
>>> > Just a thought.
>>> >
>>> > Regards,
>>> > Harry
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > -----Original Message-----
>>> > From: bitange at jambo.co.ke [mailto:bitange at jambo.co.ke]
>>> > Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 10:09 PM
>>> > To: harry at comtelsys.co.ke
>>> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
>>> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Ongeri Hurray on ICT Bus
>>> >
>>> > KIE is doing a great job on education content development.  We have
>>> several
>>> > joint initiatives.  Next week March 29 -31 we have a major e-learning
>>> > conference to showcase local digital content.  You are all welcome.
>>> >
>>> > We shall make great progress if we begin by asking rather than
>>> complaining.
>>> > Development is largely thinking positive and taking risk in good faith.
>>> >
>>> > Regards
>>> >
>>> > Ndemo.
>>> > Sent from my BlackBerryR
>>> >
>>> > -----Original Message-----
>>> > From: "Harry Delano" <harry at comtelsys.co.ke>
>>> > Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:17:22
>>> > To: <bitange at jambo.co.ke>
>>> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
>>> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Ongeri Hurray on ICT Bus
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > If I would look at it from another angle, I suppose also and I will keep
>>> on
>>> > insisting - Let us please ensure for grand projects such as this that will
>>> > impact on the nation, we develop a Multistakeholder approach, consult
>>> widely
>>> > and sell the idea and also listen to other ideas out there,then settle on
>>> > the best - in terms of feasibility,impact and cost effectiveness.
>>> >
>>> > I think while it is good to initiate good projects that stand to benefit
>>> the
>>> > nation, it will be prudent also to develop a model that will ensure all
>>> > angles of such projects are covered right through from the point of
>>> > incubation to implementation. We are accustomed now to "Surprise projects"
>>> > when least expected, which fade off as soon as they are mooted.
>>> >
>>> > While we on this topic, I posted earlier this morning an initiative by the
>>> > Ministry of Education to digitalize the Academic curriculum in schools.
>>> For
>>> > instance in this case, is the ministry of ICT Involved? What about other
>>> > stakeholder...? What would this portend - especially for Educational
>>> > Material /curriculum Publishers, who may lose a market share in the
>>> > education sector?
>>> > How feasible is it? What is
>>> > the impact of the huge digital divide at present on such an initiative?
>>> What
>>> > about broadband? Shouldn't we address this first..?
>>> >
>>> > Certainly a lot of questions..I think it would be advisable for the govt.
>>> > organs to engage far & wide..
>>> >
>>> > Harry
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > -----Original Message-----
>>> > From: kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke <http://comtelsys.co.ke>
>>> @lists.kictanet.or.ke <http://lists.kictanet.or.ke>
>>> > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry <mailto:kictanet-bounces%2Bharry>
>>> =comtelsys.co.ke <http://comtelsys.co.ke> @lists.kictanet.or.ke
>>> <http://lists.kictanet.or.ke> ] On
>>> > Behalf Of crystal at voicesofafrica.org
>>> > Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 7:29 PM
>>> > To: harry at comtelsys.co.ke
>>> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
>>> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Ongeri Hurray on ICT Bus
>>> >
>>> > That is precisely my arguement for using those funds for training centers
>>> > and Rural Internet Kiosks. These are designed to teach people computer and
>>> > Internet skills. The people who are trained can then working in the
>>> schools,
>>> > clinics, and other areas where ICTs can be used for development. Education
>>> > must be viewed holistically to encompass the whole society not simply
>>> school
>>> > children who can occassionally board the bus. In addition these projects
>>> are
>>> > financially self sustaining after implementation and prove much needed
>>> > employment.
>>> >
>>> > Let us consider the long term ramifications of our investments and ensure
>>> > that we get the maximum impact. It is easier said than done, but if we do
>>> > not begin the journey it will never be done.
>>> >
>>> > Blessings,
>>> >
>>> > Crystal
>>> > Sent from my BlackBerryR
>>> >
>>> > -----Original Message-----
>>> > From: bitange at jambo.co.ke
>>> > Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:15:50
>>> > To: <crystal at voicesofafrica.org>
>>> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
>>> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Ongeri Hurray on ICT Bus
>>> >
>>> > Robert,
>>> > Things are not as easy as you write here.  Today in Kenya you cannot try
>>> to
>>> > do anything without taking into account of regional interests.  I hope you
>>> > are watching the constitutional process and the regional emotions.
>>> > Imagine if we were to start with schools in the ASAL region promising to
>>> > cover the entire country in the next five years.  Consider that Ministry
>>> of
>>> > Education does not have adequate number of teachers as we speak yet you
>>> will
>>> > need at least one computer teacher in the 20,000 primary schools and 9,000
>>> > secondary schools.
>>> >
>>> > If we need to close the digital divide, we all must change.  We must for
>>> > example begin volunteering to teach both the students and the unemployed
>>> > youth computers.  By so doing, you will one day live to say what you did
>>> for
>>> > your country.  Like it is said "it is easier said than done".
>>> >
>>> > Regards
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > Ndemo.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>>> >> Hi,
>>>> >>
>>>> >> It seems that some sanity is coming into the education realm with the
>>>> Hon.
>>>> >> Minister Dr. Ongeri canceling the proposed ICT Bus project, I believe
>>>> >> once bitten twice shy.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> The project was to cost Kes. 1.2  B with each bus costing Kes. 7
>>>> >> Million which equates to 171 buses that is roughly 24 buses per
>>>> >> province this was surely another scan in the making.  I remember the
>>>> >> MP of
>>> > Kisumu Hon.
>>>> >> Shabbir raising the issue of the buses and getting dismissed as a self
>>>> >> seeking technology Neanderthal, lets hope this is the beginning of
>>>> >> sanity in the ICT arena, but if I was you I wouldn't hold my breath.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> I suspect that the concept of mobile computer labs was a thinking from
>>>> >> the mobile library project but someone forgot that with a library the
>>>> >> books are left behind.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> With Kes 7 million we could do much more than just a single bus with
>>>> >> 20 computer that requires a driver, insurance, service, generators,
>>>> >> and many other thinks.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Here is my suggestion on how the 7 million could be better utilised to
>>>> >> meet the objectives.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> - 20% to be used for physical facilities (stone & mortar) - Kes. 1.4 M
>>>> >> - This can build 150 sq m of classroom space inclusive of electrical
>>>> >> wiring & burger proofed windows. An average computer lab is 15 sq m
>>>> >> which means we can build 10 labs and each can accommodate 20
>>>> >> screens/pcs.  We could build even more labs if the Ministry if Housing
>>>> >> provided the interlocking soil block making machines
>>>> >>
>>>> >> - 30% to be used for provision of power to the lab - Kes. 2.1 million
>>>> >> we which we need to provide sufficient power.  The computers will need
>>>> >> to be low power consumers therefore we use TFT screens and cpu sharing
>>>> >> devices that allow 1 computer to be used simultaneously by 4 or more
>>> > students.
>>>> >> With this our power requirement for each lab would be below 1,000 VA
>>>> >> which can easily be supplied by a few solar panels and a battery bank.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> - 20% for the actual hardware - Kes. 1.4 M - DC powered computers,
>>>> >> printers and GSM modem with a good proxy server to provide local
>>>> caching.
>>>> >> This will also include structured cabling which will be done by the
>>>> >> graduats of the kazi kwa Vijani initiative where they will have been
>>>> >> offered technical training.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> -  20% teacher training - Kes. 1.4 M, even if we have them certified
>>>> >> in ICDL we shall be able to train 66 teachers which would provide
>>>> >> enough computer teachers.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> - 10% well I leave you to decide what to do with that, note that there
>>>> >> are no recurrent costs such as drivers, diesel, electricity costs (God
>>>> >> does not charge for solar, yet).
>>>> >>
>>>> >> The 10 labs can be used by the schools during the day and could be
>>>> >> made available to the community in the evenings and as digital
>>>> >> villages over the weekends where content can be generated, yes local
>>>> >> content (ask me for details).
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Now that I have spend the equivalent of 1 bus to create 10 centers why
>>>> >> won't we actually do this, because I did not factor in the feasibility
>>>> >> study costs, 30%, seminars and workshops 50%, sitting allowances 20%
>>>> >> and well nothing else to include as the preliminary costs have already
>>>> >> consumed the 7 million.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Ongeri hurray but lets hope the money will not go to drinking water
>>>> >> and writing materials for a bonding session.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Regards
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>  Robert Yawe
>>>> >> KAY System Technologies Ltd
>>>> >> Phoenix House, 6th Floor
>>>> >> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200
>>>> >> Kenya
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
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>> 
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