<div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:106%;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">My thoughts are related to awareness
creation and information provision. Various technologies can be used to
promote each citizen’s right to accurate and timely information, accountable
leadership, and responsible use of public resources. Some ideas: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">1.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>I echo
Stephen Machua’s call for an open data portal that provides centralized
information in English and Swahili on the areas he suggested. The Open Data
portal was promoted in the previous administration but seems to have lapsed
under this one. In addition to the areas that were proposed for what can be on
the Open Data portal, here are a few others:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">a.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>Criteria
for testing for COVID-19</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">b.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>How many
test kits are available, by county</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">c.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>How many
people tested at any given time, by county</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">d.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>Relevant
policies/laws related to COVID-19</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">e.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>County-specific
information related to COVID-19 e.g. measures taken to address the matter
(hand-washing points), medical centres for testing and treatment, hotlines to
call in the event of an emergency, etc.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">2.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>Use
digital technologies to encourage devolved communication between citizens and
government down to location/sub-location<i> </i>level. Chief Kariuki in Lanet
Location, Nakuru County effectively used to send texts to residents through
Twitter. This service has since been discontinued but the Committee could look
into reviving it so as to allow chiefs/subchiefs to:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">a.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>provide
national updates and information in their areas. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">b.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>Provide
County-specific updates and information </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:106%;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Residents
can also use such platforms to:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">c.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>raise
concerns particular to their needs/area through their chiefs/subchiefs, which
can then be escalated upwards.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">d.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>propose
solutions for particular needs in their community </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">3.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>Authorities
should provide frequent, accurate updates in different languages on multiple
platforms – e.g. social media, mainstream media, trusted community leaders -
from credible sources. This would also a more effective way to curb
misinformation rather than resorting to threats of arrests, etc. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:106%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">4.
Government can also partner with telcos and local developers in deploying
technology (apps, mobile phones) to enable information exchange across counties
(e.g. about food availability) without violating rights to privacy.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">5. A final thought for the committee
is that nations such as Germany are on lockdown with no incidences of policy
brutality or citizen outcry. Citizen compliance can be achieved if authorities
can do the following:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">a) show empathy/understanding of
citizens' needs (e.g. not everyone is able to stay at home for days on end working
remotely so provide options/alternatives)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">b) treat all citizens with
respect </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">c) acknowledge that digital access
is not equally available to all, so ensure that everyone has access to similar
COVID-related information</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">d) be accountable for the resources
that are generated through taxpayer money (why an Open Data portal becomes
useful).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">e) be willing to take responsibility
for mistakes made, and to show how the errors are being addressed. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">f) be willing to explain tough decisions</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">g) be willing to do their jobs as
they should. E.g. Legislators should develop far-reaching policies and laws that
will revitalize national/county economies and institutions, not just buy self-branded
soaps. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Thanks.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">WW</span></p></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Tue, Apr 7, 2020 at 11:59 AM Barrack Otieno via kictanet <<a href="mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke">kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Dear Liz,</div><div><br></div><div>My Feedback inline,<br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 11:04 PM Liz Orembo via kictanet <<a href="mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke" target="_blank">kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="ltr">Thank you Stephen,<div><br></div><div>I like your idea of an open data portal and a single webpage for all sorts of communications and statistics regarding covid 19. Can <a href="http://covid-19.ke" target="_blank">covid-19.ke</a> resemble that of John hopkins?</div></div></blockquote><div><b>BO : It is worth noting that open Data is not a new concept in Kenya. We had an Open Data Portal during His Excellency Kibaki's regime. I guess priorities may have shifted. I know there are open data Champions on this list, it could help if they can give an an expert opinion on where we are as a country and the challenges we are facing that can hamper the use of Open Data. When all is said and done what is coming out clearly is technology has to be backed by strong digital literacy.</b><br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="ltr"><div><br></div><div>I also know we have various community network projects driven by some of our members on this list. How can they coordinate with the ministry of health to provide content in the local languages and in forms that are easily consumed in the areas where the community networks serve?</div></div></blockquote><div><b>BO : Community Networks are playing their part, got some inspiring feedback from <a class="gmail_plusreply" id="gmail-m_-7133289373609288547plusReplyChip-0" href="mailto:josephine.miliza@gmail.com" target="_blank">@Josephine Miliza</a> on some initiatives they are carrying out at Tunapanda Networks in Kibra to provide support in Kibra where implementing preventive measures such as social distancing has been a challenge. They are working with teachers in the local school to upload content on the e-learning platforms (Soma -e-learning platform) which will be availed to learners through the Community Network. They are also Customizing COVID-Related information to fit the local context by creating Videos and memes to demistify COVID-19. Some of the Connected Centres are also making masks for the Community. I am sure <a class="gmail_plusreply" id="gmail-m_-7133289373609288547plusReplyChip-1" href="mailto:josephine.miliza@gmail.com" target="_blank">@Josephine Miliza</a> can share more. I am involved with a Community Network hosted by <a href="http://cisskisumu.org" target="_blank">CISS</a> which operates in Homabay, Kisumu and Siaya County supporting over 200 women and youth groups in the rural communities from the three counties. We are actively engaging them through Whatsapp to understand the challenges they are facing as well as convey reliable information about COVID-19. Together with partners we are also working on Videos aimed at informing educating and influencing behavior change which will be uploaded on our infrastructure at the Community Centre's and which can be accessed for free. <a class="gmail_plusreply" id="gmail-m_-7133289373609288547plusReplyChip-2" href="mailto:rapudohawi@gmail.com" target="_blank">@Rapudo Hawi</a> is also spearheading a <a href="http://kijijiyeetu.co.ke" target="_blank">Community Initiative</a> which is documenting various initiatives taking place kwa ground. <br></b></div><div><b>Finally Community Radio is also playing a critical role. I watched a feature on NTV over the weekend where a Community Radio run by a Church in Homabay is the only source of information on COVID-19.</b></div><div><b>I agree with you that we need to step up collaborative efforts to share content which can then be passed on to the Communities.</b><br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:09 PM Stephen Machua <<a href="mailto:stephenmachua@gmail.com" target="_blank">stephenmachua@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="ltr">Good Morning Liz,<div><br></div><div>I see an opportunity for Open Data to boost transparency+future preparedness, e.g. a portal/site where Kenyans and interested parties can track progress on;</div><div><br></div><div>a) Donations received and their allocations (Monetary + in-kind) e.g. World Bank has already given $50M, Danish Government $3.2M </div><div>b) Medical supplies (produced + donated) and their allocations </div><div>c) Average spending per patient until recovery in different hospitals across the country - might inform future preparedness </div><div><br></div><div>Basically, trying to capture as much data as we can and learn from this process.</div><div><br></div><div>Hoping to hear what other listers think, especially those in open data. </div><div><br></div><div>Regards,</div><div>Stephen Machua </div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 12:59 AM Liz Orembo via kictanet <<a href="mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke" target="_blank">kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="ltr"><div>Good morning listers,</div><div><br></div><div>The senate has established an ad-hoc committee that will oversee the responses of the national and county governments to the covid 19 pandemic. The committee has issued a call for submissions on the following themes.</div><div><ol><li><b>Health </b>- includes community health, testing centers, mental health, role and engagement of county governments.</li><li><b>Economic and Finance Issues - </b>Includes macro economic effects, measures that the government can take to cushion SMEs and borrowers.</li><li><b>Social, Public order and Human Rights - </b> Includes protection of vulnerable groups, and enforcement of curfews </li><li><b>Access to Food, Water and other basic commodities </b>Includes measures to support continuous production and supply of essential services at affordable prices. Food, water etc</li><li><b>Support services and cross cutting issues - </b>Includes awareness creation, how to combat stigmatization and network access across the country.</li></ol></div><div><br></div><div>Listers, what are your views? How can ICTs help in these 5 areas? and how can the government improve its communication and network connectivity across the country? </div><div><br></div><div>Please find attached the call for public participation with more details. The deadline for submission is 8th April. </div>-- <br><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><br><div><font style="font-family:"comic sans ms",sans-serif" size="2" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Best regards.<br>
</font></div>
<div><font style="font-family:"comic sans ms",sans-serif" size="2" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Liz.</font><br>
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</blockquote></div><br clear="all"><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><br><div><font style="font-family:"comic sans ms",sans-serif" size="2" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Best regards.<br>
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