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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Edith,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>First it starts with me and you, looking inwards. My assertions were never meant to cast aspersions on any single one’s person – as I have severally reiterated, we have<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>to do these things collectively. It’s right to ask the questions, like the ones you asking – but then the horse seems to have bolted, see...! Taken as a whole, this debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>is a symptom of the greater malaise bedeviling us and the reason a lot of things that just go haywire. We seem at times to make progress, but at every turn hit into some <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>brick wall – why...? We need to really look at our core values. What’s ailing us so badly to this point...? Just to give you a tip of the iceberg, the whole process right from<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>sourcing, procuring and getting the ICT system at IEBC functional was bedeviled at every turn. How do we smoothen such things..? A requirement/request to test it, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>came in at the 11<sup>th</sup> Hour as ISACA has just mentioned, why..? What is at the core of all this..<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Let’s first start with ourselves, and seriously do some thorough house-cleaning, by getting a credible, professional oversight body in place..<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Harry<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> Edith Adera [mailto:eadera@idrc.ca] <br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, March 13, 2013 12:41 PM<br><b>To:</b> harry@comtelsys.co.ke<br><b>Cc:</b> 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions'<br><b>Subject:</b> RE: [kictanet] Our Response to Systematic ICT Systems Failure at IEBC<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>Harry,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>Why should we always…and quickly…conclude partisan interests when issues are raised? Can we stop clouding our minds with the going ons? Kenya is moving to a different level, as I said before, a new foundation is being laid…based on “truth and justice” NO matter the leader (after all, it’s God who allows a leader to rule for a PURPOSE – good or bad - as we have seen many examples in the good book). Let us not divert attention and stick to the issues – how do we address failing ICT systems as we witnessed?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>I recall a while back on this list divergent discussions on digital villages and whether they had failed….after lengthy discussions, we agreed to go out and search for the answers. Warigia took the bold step to volunteer herself to do this and get back to the list which she did with a report.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>For this issue, Brian seems to have taken the initiative to organize a reflection. I agree with you, maybe it needs to be more than a reflection and possibly a similar step as was taken by Warigia needs to be pursued involving the right institutions based on the legal framework and issues that Walu has raised in his post w.r.t. auditing information systems.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>What do you suggest?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>Edith<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> Harry Delano [<a href="mailto:harry@comtelsys.co.ke">mailto:harry@comtelsys.co.ke</a>] <br><b>Sent:</b> March 13, 2013 7:32 AM<br><b>To:</b> Edith Adera<br><b>Cc:</b> 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions'<br><b>Subject:</b> RE: [kictanet] Our Response to Systematic ICT Systems Failure at IEBC<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Aye..! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Dear Edith,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>The IEBC ICT systems failed last week during a very crucial national process – We all agree they failed, and so spectacularly for that matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>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<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>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..?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>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..?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>What is it that’s our main undoing..?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Let’s be unselfish and strive to consider and front country and each other – first and we will progress much, much more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Harry<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>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<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Question, - what is in it for me/us ( read – partisan).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> Edith Adera <a href="mailto:[mailto:eadera@idrc.ca]">[mailto:eadera@idrc.ca]</a> <br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, March 12, 2013 4:35 PM<br><b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:harry@comtelsys.co.ke">harry@comtelsys.co.ke</a><br><b>Cc:</b> KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<br><b>Subject:</b> RE: [kictanet] Our Response to Systematic ICT Systems Failure at IEBC<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>Harry,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>Not sure you were in Kenya or buried your head in the sand!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>Why do we always turn to the easy targets….tribalism, partisan interests etc when hard questions are asked?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'>Edith<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> kictanet [<a href="mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.ca@lists.kictanet.or.ke">mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.ca@lists.kictanet.or.ke</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Harry Delano<br><b>Sent:</b> March 12, 2013 3:22 PM<br><b>To:</b> Edith Adera<br><b>Cc:</b> KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<br><b>Subject:</b> [kictanet] Our Response to Systematic ICT Systems Failure at IEBC<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CA><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aye..!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>we could address systemic issues in that part of the election process..? Please someone correct me, but I seem to be settling on<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>this conclusion that we collectively only raise hue and cry when the system(s) are perceived to be working against “us”, or not in <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“our” interests – whichever side of divide each one of us sits. Once they serve ‘our’ interests, we quickly move on.. So where is <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>posterity in all this..? A pattern emerges where well calculated intellectual arguments everywhere nowadays, that thinly veil and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>mask the real motives in us. We completely bury our heads in the ground and deny that we have deeply rooted issues that stem<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>of it..?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If so, let’s start now..<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Harry<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>