[kictanet] KISERO: Kenya’s corruption tsars have perfected looting through Ifmis - Daily Nation

Wed Jan 11 20:08:21 EAT 2017

Grace

The core Technology that makes up IFMIS is an Oracle eBusiness Suite. Here's a good background story on IFMIS.

http://sokodirectory.com/2015/06/report-ifmis-implementation-in-kenyas-government/

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113 

Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

"Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought".  ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi

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> On 11 Jan 2017, at 6:24 PM, Grace Mutung'u (Bomu) via kictanet <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
> 
> Does anyone know the tech intricacies of IFMIS. For instance, which system/language is it founded on? the architecture? 
> This is information that may help us understand the points of weakness....
> 
> 2017-01-11 17:08 GMT+03:00 Odhiambo Washington via kictanet <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>:
>> In most govt and parastatal institutions, the ICT functions are outsourced. The IT staff employed there can run their own businesses without worrying, as long as they can escalate the arising issues to the company it's outsourced to.
>> 
>> 
>>> On 11 January 2017 at 13:42, Watila Alex via kictanet <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
>>> i am curious what is the involvement of IT staff. Kenyan IT guys have implemented such systems at the utilities, telcos etc so i am sure the expertise exists
>>> 
>>> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
>>> 
>>> On Wed, 11 Jan, 2017 at 10:33, Barrack Otieno via kictanet
>>> <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
>>> I am sure there are many professionals on the list who know the
>>> intricacies and workings of IFMIS, what challenges does the system
>>> have are they human, systemic or technological? My take is Human
>>> Resource (Vested interests) is the problem. That said i acknowledge
>>> the fact that some counties are also facing challenges with
>>> connectivity impeding the effectiveness of the system. The Universal
>>> Access Fund can be usefull in resolving this.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Regards
>>> 
>>> On 1/11/17, Watila Alex via kictanet <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
>>> > Ifmis is defective, says former TA boss Kinuthia Wamwangi - Daily Nation
>>> > http://www.nation.co.ke/counties/kericho/Ifmis-is-defective/3444860-3512338-qqbeas/
>>> > via @dailynation
>>> >
>>> >    On Tuesday, January 10, 2017 10:49 AM, Odhiambo Washington via kictanet
>>> > <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >  Sometimes I think IFMIS (the Kenyan one)  was deliberately designed for
>>> > exactly what it is being used for!
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > On 9 January 2017 at 15:45, WANGARI KABIRU via kictanet
>>> > <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote:
>>> >
>>> > Monday blessings!
>>> > In a town known as VAJAIBU each week, three superpower hydroplanes crash
>>> > with guarantee, leaving fatalities of the spectating fans as balls of fire
>>> > spiral freely for miles over the land.The professional riders on board as
>>> > part of their safety measures have an inflammable hydro-ball that insulates
>>> > them in the event of any impact. Which means, the next day they carry on
>>> > their act on another ride.As expected, the turnout at the spectacular shows
>>> > has dwindled as more and more spectators opt to go for the canoe rowers
>>> > shows in the neighboring town. Surprisingly, the professional riders have
>>> > been crying foul as the gate collections dwindle.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > This must be an opportunity for the professionals. Tainting of one part of
>>> > how a system works has an effect on the rest, breeding suspicion. From
>>> > immigration registers, money transfer, banking, healthcare records - major
>>> > ICT users, whether public or private, it means that there must be leaks all
>>> > over of citizen funds and records. Not to mention the Internet of Things
>>> > which we do not even have a measure of its extensiveness.
>>> > Why question the call for manual systems - this is one big example where
>>> > tech seems to be designed to "work not for good" yet keeps being drummed
>>> > down the citizens as the panacea for economic integrity.
>>> >
>>> > Blessed day.
>>> > Regards/Wangari ---
>>> > Pray God Bless. 2013Wangari circa - "Being of the Light, We are Restored
>>> > Through Faith in Mind, Body and Spirit; We Manifest The Kingdom of God on
>>> > Earth".
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >    On Monday, 9 January 2017, 8:11, Barrack Otieno via kictanet
>>> > <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote:
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >  Hi Baiju and colleagues,
>>> >
>>> > Reading your comments, the main challenge is ethics and integrity. We
>>> > have to address it even if it affects all of us. We are not short of
>>> > qualified project management experts, Software Analysts and Designers
>>> > as well as System Engineers.  We are not short of industry lobby
>>> > groups as well, we are short on ethics and integrity.
>>> >
>>> > Regards
>>> >
>>> > On 1/9/17, Baiju Shah via kictanet <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote:
>>> >> Hi All,
>>> >>
>>> >> Well now ok about the issues with the IFMIS, can we focus on building a
>>> >> better pool of business system analyst, solution design, quality
>>> >> assurance
>>> >> and project management. These are the key skills missing from the ICT
>>> >> sector, furthermore let's not blame the customer as we all lack a little
>>> >> or
>>> >> any amount of ethics... In reality please look at yourselves in the
>>> >> mirror
>>> >> and reflect when and where you individually have taken short cuts or came
>>> >> up
>>> >> with lame reasons for non delivery. Have created issues for fellow
>>> >> professionals who have won a project on merit. It my prayer that we get
>>> >> out
>>> >> stakeholder management sorted and develop a proper lobby group that is
>>> >> given
>>> >> a representation on the government projects to provide quality assurance
>>> >> and
>>> >> assure the delivery of the project in line with the vision, mission and
>>> >> scope signed off by the key stakeholders. Further provide advice on the
>>> >> Correctness of the scope which requires industry expertise per vertical.
>>> >> Therefore, my challenge to the group is what are we doing to align the
>>> >> technology with the business needs?
>>> >>
>>> >> Thanks and have a good week,
>>> >>
>>> >> Best Regards,
>>> >> Baiju
>>> >>
>>> >>> On 9 Jan 2017, at 05:29, Alex Watila via kictanet
>>> >>> <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote:
>>> >>>
>>> >>> good morning,
>>> >>> IFMIS is in the news again
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> State audit finds serious loopholes in Ifmis system  - Daily Nation
>>> >>> https://t.co/4dPksjnJBT
>>> >>>
>>> >>> https://twitter.com/dailynatio n/status/818261005935448064
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> On 3 Dec 2016 12:08, "S.M. Muraya via kictanet"
>>> >>> <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote:
>>> >>> Ngigi,
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Nothing less than Multi Factor authentication is required in Kenya.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Multi-factor_authentication
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Negligence needs to be penalized (we know, in Kenya, prosecution never
>>> >>> succeeds where looting succeeds).
>>> >>>
>>> >>> This includes negligence of local talent, not just theft. Kickbacks are
>>> >>> often deposited (invested) abroad. As such, foreign firms will always be
>>> >>> favored by crooked officials. Developed nations penalize bribery because
>>> >>> it compromises national pysche, skills and service delivery levels.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> EACC should also look for good examples to publicize.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Public officials, organizations, who/which over a 24 month period, have
>>> >>> sourced and provided MANNED (conversation recording) hotlines, e-mail
>>> >>> addresses, feedback portals and CRM's to measure, and promptly provide
>>> >>> citizen services.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Crooked officials have no problem with payment systems (which increase
>>> >>> the
>>> >>> funds they collect), but they neglect systems which measure, expose
>>> >>> service delivery levels.
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> SMM
>>> >>>
>>> >>> "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one
>>> >>> who takes a city." Prov 16:32
>>> >>>
>>> >>> On Fri, Dec 2, 2016 at 9:45 AM, Waithaka Ngigi via kictanet
>>> >>> <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote:
>>> >>> Ali,
>>> >>>
>>> >>> It's also time to put‎ professional blame squarely where it lies.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Any system tasked with moving *huge* sums of money and that does not
>>> >>> come
>>> >>> with at least Two-Factor authentication be *default* is either:
>>> >>> 1. A very, very bad implementation
>>> >>> 2. ‎Intentionally left unsecure to allow looting.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Blaming users & ethics in our users is just looking for  scapegoats.
>>> >>> Citibank, Stanchart & other Financial Institutions do not rely on user
>>> >>> ethics when using their online banking platforms. You key in your
>>> >>> password, for every transaction, you confirm using your 2FA Code,
>>> >>> ensuring
>>> >>> it's only you, or someone you gave your physical 2FA card that can
>>> >>> authenticate that transaction.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> And that's before you put in anti-laundering functionality, which should
>>> >>> catch most of those transactions dead in their tracks if well
>>> >>> implemented.
>>> >>> E.g before payment of sums above KSH 100m cross-check on company
>>> >>> registration date, if less than 1 year, flag! Common addresses,
>>> >>> Directors
>>> >>> btn different firms.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> ‎Online payments in Kenya have been with us since the early 2000s, why
>>> >>> is
>>> >>> it we've never heard complaints from the Banks that billions are being
>>> >>> lost through basic identity fraud similar to IFMIS.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Don't blame the Kenyan people, blame lies squarely with the Systems we
>>> >>> have put in place.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Waithaka Ngigi
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Alliance Technologies
>>> >>> www.at.co.ke
>>> >>> From: Ali Hussein via kictanet
>>> >>> Sent: Friday, December 2, 2016 5:33 AM
>>> >>> To: Ngigi Waithaka
>>> >>> Reply To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
>>> >>> Cc: Ali Hussein
>>> >>> Subject: [kictanet] KISERO: Kenya’s corruption tsars have perfected
>>> >>> looting through Ifmis - Daily Nation
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Listers
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Related to to the discussion of 'reigning in' quacks in the ICT Sector
>>> >>> how
>>> >>> do you explain the fiasco that is IFMIS?
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Except from the article:-
>>> >>>
>>> >>> In theory, the Ifmis system we have is based on Oracle E-Business Suite,
>>> >>> an accounting package developed by Oracle of the USA. In reality, what
>>> >>> is
>>> >>> in place is a product of conspiracies between crafty government
>>> >>> officials
>>> >>> and local rent-seeking software merchants.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Through highly inflated and ill-conceived customisation and
>>> >>> re-engineering
>>> >>> projects, the merchants have colluded with public officials to create a
>>> >>> mongrel of the original Oracle E-Business Suite.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> This is the system at the heart of corruption in the public sector.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/O pinion/Kenya-corruption-tsars-
>>> >>> have-perfected-looting-through -Ifmis/440808-3469632-kg5rbv/
>>> >>>
>>> >>> So if we were to talk this discussion a step further:-
>>> >>>
>>> >>> 1. The customization of an Oracle E-Business Suite cannot be done by a
>>> >>> 'quack' who isn't a Certified Oracle Software Engineer.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> 2. The customization must be approved by the client and mapped with the
>>> >>> business processes mutually agreed by the vendor and the customer. In
>>> >>> this
>>> >>> case the government.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> A pig is a pig even if you apply lipstick on it. Let's call this what it
>>> >>> is - Corruption. Period. Perpetuated in this case by the client and
>>> >>> using
>>> >>> qualified IT Professionals. We in the industry must call out the ones
>>> >>> who
>>> >>> collude to fleece this country instead of chasing a red herring in the
>>> >>> name of 'quacks'!
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Ali Hussein
>>> >>> Principal
>>> >>> Hussein & Associates
>>> >>> +254 0713 601113
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Twitter: @AliHKassim
>>> >>> Skype: abu-jomo
>>> >>> LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alih kassim
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking
>>> >>> what no one else has thought".  ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Sent from my iPad
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> ______________________________ _________________
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>>> >>>
>>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at
>>> >>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m ailman/options/kictanet/murigi
>>> >>> .muraya%40gmail.com
>>> >>>
>>> >>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform
>>> >>> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
>>> >>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
>>> >>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and
>>> >>> development.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
>>> >>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and
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>>> >>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy,
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>>> >>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> ______________________________ _________________
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>>> >>>
>>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at
>>> >>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m ailman/options/kictanet/baiju%
>>> >>> 40telemedia.co.ke
>>> >>>
>>> >>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform
>>> >>> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
>>> >>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
>>> >>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and
>>> >>> development.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
>>> >>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and
>>> >>> bandwidth,
>>> >>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy,
>>> >>> do
>>> >>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>>> >>
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Barrack O. Otieno
>>> > +254721325277
>>> > +254733206359
>>> > Skype: barrack.otieno
>>> > PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
>>> >
>>> > ______________________________ _________________
>>> > kictanet mailing list
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>>> >
>>> > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m
>>> > ailman/options/kictanet/wangar ikabiru%40yahoo.co.uk
>>> >
>>> > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for
>>> > people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
>>> > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
>>> > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and
>>> > development.
>>> >
>>> > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
>>> > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth,
>>> > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do
>>> > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > ______________________________ _________________
>>> > kictanet mailing list
>>> > kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke
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>>> >
>>> > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m
>>> > ailman/options/kictanet/odhiam bo%40gmail.com
>>> >
>>> > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for
>>> > people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
>>> > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
>>> > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and
>>> > development.
>>> >
>>> > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
>>> > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth,
>>> > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do
>>> > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Best regards,
>>> > Odhiambo WASHINGTON,
>>> > Nairobi,KE
>>> > +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223
>>> > "Oh, the cruft."
>>> > _______________________________________________
>>> > kictanet mailing list
>>> > kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke
>>> > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
>>> >
>>> > Unsubscribe or change your options at
>>> > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/awatila%40yahoo.co.uk
>>> 
>>> >
>>> > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for
>>> > people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
>>> > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
>>> > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and
>>> > development.
>>> >
>>> > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
>>> > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth,
>>> > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do
>>> > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Barrack O. Otieno
>>> +254721325277
>>> +254733206359
>>> Skype: barrack.otieno
>>> PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> 
>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/awatila%40yahoo.co.uk
>>> 
>>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
>>> 
>>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/odhiambo%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
>>> 
>>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> Best regards,
>> Odhiambo WASHINGTON,
>> Nairobi,KE
>> +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223
>> "Oh, the cruft."
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> kictanet mailing list
>> kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke
>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
>> 
>> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/nmutungu%40gmail.com
>> 
>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
>> 
>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Grace L.N. Mutung'u 
> Skype: gracebomu
> Twitter: @Bomu
> 
> <http://www.diplointernetgovernance.org/profile/GraceMutungu>
> 
> PGP ID : 0x33A3450F
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> 
> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com
> 
> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
> 
> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
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