[kictanet] Our Response to Systematic ICT Systems Failure at

Wed Mar 13 07:50:47 EAT 2013

So...when all is said and done, can we in a point format (an I mean 1, 2, 3....n) format list what we need to do and get started in doing it? I will start:

Consolidate all the ICT /quasi-ICT associations into 1 formidable organization. In that process, define the working modalities, mandates, etc of the organization
Set timelines on when and how the above will happenThe rest will follow naturally - oh....and we all promise to check our selfish peculiar habits at the door for the sake of the industry.

Edwin

  ----- Original Message ----- 
 From: harry at comtelsys.co.keTo: eonchari at lynxbits.com
 Cc: kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke 
 Sent: 3/13/13 12:32 AM 
 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Our Response to Systematic ICT Systems Failure at

   Aye..! 

Dear Edith,

Actually, on the contrary, I was one very vocal Kenyan, about the issue last week.. You do not remember..? Maybe the gist of what I raised as a pertinent issue in my earlier email got lost somewhere within.  So again, here, my rejoinder.
1.       The IEBC ICT systems failed last week during a very crucial  national process – We all agree they failed, and  so spectacularly for that matter.
2.       We on the list here, were up in arms  - some highlighting, criticizing, demanding answers, and an audit of the happenings on the ICT front of the process, and some coming to its defense
3.       Were we fronting different positions, only based on how each of our candidates was performing in the tallying process, or it was to deal with an anomaly – irrespective..? Is it for the love of country, or love of self, me, us and I..?
4.       We loosely agreed for a post-election audit, but quickly the issue fizzled out. The main process was concluded, putting  the matter to rest, so it seems.  No follow-up mechanism in place etcetra. Thankfully Brian, just indicated a discussion will be held on the issue. But we may need a credible, independent body/ taskforce to deal with the issue and report back to Kenyans. 
5.       Early this week saw the list jump to another component of this national process – The media.  Again, one cannot help but see the divergent views taking a tangent that’s all too familiar. Again, this will fizzle out once positions are firmly cemented  in place and the whole issue will come to naught. Do we seem to have a diversionary streak in us..?

What is it that’s our main undoing..?
1.       We have deep seated and deep rooted issues, within us that inform the divergent views/opinions/positions we hold and a two-year old  will have little difficulty seeing through the masks we put on.
2.       We talk a lot. On the list, in our gatherings, streets, villages – everywhere. But we need to really put mechanisms in place to go beyond the ‘talk-shop’. Can we start on this list.
3.       Let’s be unselfish and strive to consider and front country and each other – first and we will progress much, much more.
Harry

 We need to take a lead on matters ICT that affect this nation, based on principle/substance and avoid at all costs taking divergent opposing positions that best answer to  the
Question, - what is in it for me/us ( read – partisan).

From: Edith Adera [mailto:eadera at idrc.ca] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 4:35 PM
To: harry at comtelsys.co.ke
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: RE: [kictanet] Our Response to Systematic ICT Systems Failure at IEBC

Harry,

Not sure you were in Kenya or buried your head in the sand!

It’s a fact that the system did not work and IEBC had to revert to the manual system as reported by the Chair of the IEBC on TV.

We need to learn to tell the truth as a country and confront our issues. Someone suggested on this list, can’t remember who,  that as an ICT industry an audit should be carried out so we know what went wrong and learn for the future.

Why do we always turn to the easy targets
.tribalism, partisan interests etc when hard questions are asked?

Edith

From: kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.ca at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Harry Delano
Sent: March 12, 2013 3:22 PM
To: Edith Adera
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: [kictanet] Our Response to Systematic ICT Systems Failure at IEBC

Aye..!

Could someone please aver what the furor was all about on this list when systems failed at IEBC last week. I thought it was so that
we could address systemic issues in that part of the election process..? Please someone correct me, but I seem to be settling on
this conclusion that we collectively only raise hue and cry when the system(s) are perceived to be working  against “us”, or not in 
“our” interests – whichever side of divide each one of us sits. Once they serve ‘our’ interests, we quickly move on.. So where is 
posterity in all this..? A pattern emerges where well calculated intellectual arguments everywhere nowadays, that  thinly  veil and 
mask the real motives in us. We completely bury our heads in the ground and deny that we have deeply rooted issues that stem
from tribe, class etc and as a result,  we are caught up in this  vicious cycle that we cannot seem to free ourselves from and which 
clouds our entire vision as a nation. Who will free us, if we do not take initiative ourselves..? How and when will we as a nation 
confront this ‘monster’ head on, by first of all acknowledging it exists. Then moving to deal with it. Can this list be at the forefront 
of it..?

If so,  let’s start now..

Harry

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