[kictanet] Fwd: Open Data - Where does it sit?

[Paul Kukubo]

I would like to shift the discussion if I may to what people can do
with the data? What data is missing? how citizens are using it. What
possible value additions we can have?

Socrata.com is an online hosted service that enables data to be
visualized to enable graphs and charts and data comparisons with ease.
This visualization is what gives meaning to the data in a way that the
common citizens can view it. The benefits of doing this quickly for
launch and citizen access far outweigh the cost of waiting for the
time it would have taken for us to develop a similar online
application locally. One the same website we have published the same
lists of data in their original formats.

Indeed we have spoken to many software developers who have suggested
that they can replicate this The data is there for anyone to replicate
it on any website. What we have indicated to software developers is to
take the plunge into imagining solutions that are based on have access
to that data.  This is where the greatest value is.

The issue of local hosting has our attention and we will resolve it,
not just with a local data centre, that is not the limitation, but the
replication of a similar online tool to visualize the data.

This campaign has to be about the benefits of open data. Knowledge,
empowerment, commerce entrepreneurship, citizen participation. By
crusading for, lobbying and obtaining data that was previously only in
thick books, PS Dr Ndemo has broken ground for us. By launching this
HE President Kibaki has demonstrated Kenya's commitment to citizen
access.

Once the entrepreneurs developers have a system that can replicate or
even improve or add value to Socrata, or even improve on Socrata and
Google's public data tools, the hosting decisions will be easy. As an
implementing agency, we are committed to working with all to make this
happen. There is much to be done.

Thank you to those who have emailed us with specific suggestions of
encouragement and improvements to this process. The journey has just
began.


Sent from my iPad

Paul Kukubo
CEO Kenya ICT Board
Tweeter: @pkukubo

On 13 Jul 2011, at 17:04, Solomon Mbũrũ Kamau <solo.mburu at gmail.com> wrote:

> This is indeed a healthy discussion which I really appreciate.
> However, as a layman, just as someone pointed out, what exactly is a
> (open) data centre? And how does it differ to what NBK, KPLC(?),
> Equity bank have?
> Where the Kenya Govt Open Data is, sets a curios question: doesn't the
> govt have plans to have it located locally? And if there are
> challenged reeling, can't it be brought to the fore, so that we may
> put our heads together and brainstorm?
> The idea of some sections of the government classifying information
> does not go well since the government is nopt an exclusive members
> club.
> If by what has been said, of Paul Kukubo 'sitting' on some resources,
> then it would be prudent to look at the matter in a sober manner and
> see how they can be put into good use.
> And, if there are no plans for Kenya to have the data centres locally
> based for the next three years, then why are we talking of Konza
> (Malili) ICT City, which would be a perfect place for piloting this
> DC?
> A lot of deliberation needs to be made, to realize the establishment
> of our own DC here.
>
> My 2 cents.
>
> On 13/07/2011, Michuki Mwangi <michuki.mwangi at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hi Robert,
>>
>> On 7/13/11 3:31 PM, robert yawe wrote:
>>> Hi Michuki,
>>>
>>> Thank you for the information, please give us the following missing
>>> information.
>>>
>>> 1) An Operators license from CCK - ISP, Mobile, etc
>>>
>>> I will follow up on the license requirements from CCK but out of
>>> curiosity what license do UNON, KRA & NBK have
>>> (http://www.tespok.co.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=92
>>> <http://www.tespok.co.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=92>)
>>> just
>>> to get a better understanding of the entire process?
>>>
>>
>> Unfortunately our agreement with our members does not permits me to
>> disclose this information. As such, i would defer you to CCK or the
>> members directly to get this information.
>>
>>> 2) Fill in the Membership forms
>>>
>>> What are the membership fees for application, monthly and annual?
>>>
>>
>> Maybe i should have called them subscription forms and agreements. Fees
>> are payable for on a monthly basis for KIXP peering services.
>>
>>> 3) Pay Services fees based on port speed required 10/100/1000 Mbps per
>>> month
>>>
>>> What are the charges for the various bandwidth connections?
>>>
>>
>> This is an administrative question that you would have to consult the
>> Admin office directly to inquire.
>>
>> However according to information available on the TESPOK website its
>> Kshs 30,000 for minimum entry which is 10Mbps.
>>
>>> 5) lease a circuit from KIXP back to your Premise
>>>
>>> Who are the available providers with nodes at KIXP and can provide the
>>> backhaul?
>>>
>>
>> Currently there are Jamii, KDN, TKL, Access Kenya, Wananchi Online and
>> Safaricom. As i mentioned earlier - KIXP is carrier neutral facility.
>> Any provider is welcome to build infrastructure to KIXP facilities if
>> they are not there yet.
>>
>>> 6) Bring a Router to KIXP for connecting to other Members.
>>>
>>> What are the minimum requirements for the router apart from just BGP
>>> capability?
>>>
>>
>> In any network, the engineering team should have the skills to determine
>> what router minimum specifications would be sufficient for the
>> organizations peering needs and when upgrades are due etc.
>>
>> Therefore our specifications are based on wh


-- 
Paul Kukubo
Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board
PO Box 27150 - 00100
Nairobi, Kenya

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Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960
Fax: +254 20 2211962
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