Global Voices Summit 2012-Coming to Nairobi

The Global Voices Summit  will this year be held in Nairobi(The City Under The Sun)-Kenya on the 2nd July and 3rd July 2012.The  event convenes bloggers, activists and technologists for public discussions and workshops about the rise of online citizen media movements worldwide and will feature both local and international GlobalVoicesOnline contributors,editors and authors.The last event was held in Santiago Chile in the year 2010

The twitter handle for this years event is: #gv2012.The fact that the event is being held in Kenya goes to highlight the rise,prolific nature and development  of the Kenya Internet,technology and Communications(ICT) sector and its global appeal. It is my sincere hope that the Kenya ICT board will take advantage of such forums to highlight Kenya's gains in developing ,promoting and enhancing internet connectivity which makes it possible for the utilization of social media platforms by a wider majority of the population and the creation of local content and expression of diverse opinions.

The Global Voices Citizen Media Summit 2012 is being sponsored by: Google, Hivos, MacArthur Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, Adessium Foundation, Knight Foundation, Omidyar Network, and Yahoo!.

As a Kenyan author i will be privileged to attend the conference and will keep the readers of this blog informed about some of the interesting and insightful snippets that will be discussed at the workshops.

Kenyan Lilian Ikal Angelei Wins Environmental Goldman Prize 2012

Lilian Ikal Angelei is probably little known in her backyard Kenya however for the people of Turkana she is an acclaimed  recusant fighting for the rights and the voice of the voiceless community against formidable financial institutions and Governments that have little or no regard for the welfare of the people dependent on Lake Turkana for their livelihood So who is Lilian Ikal Angelei one of the the recipients of the 2012 Goldman Environmental Prize : the worlds largest prize honoring grassroots environmental activist?
Who is She?
For one she is the founder and a Director of Friends of Lake Turkana  a non profit engaged in the conservation of the Lake Turkana especially against the recent proposed development and Construction by the Ethiopian  Government of the Gibe 3 Dam along the River Ormo, the source of 90 percent of Lake Turkana’s water. The Gibe 3 Dam, if completed, would be the largest hydroelectric plant in Africa, and the fourth largest in the world and it is expected to cause the lake’s water level to drop by as much as 23 to 33 feet within the first five years, depleting fish stocks and depriving communities of a critical source of potable water in this desert environment.

This development is likely to heighten resource conflicts and poverty between the communities largely dependent on the lake for their livelihood.






What She Has Accomplished So Far !

Apart from winning this prestigious award and recognition, Lilian Ikal Angelei has been true to her cause helping the marginalized communities living in the Turkana region to stem the ominous tide heading their way by successfully convincing major banks, including the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank, to withdraw their considerations for financing of the Gibe 3 Dam. The Dam is almost 40 percent complete at present and her gallant efforts have necessitated the Ethiopian government to seek additional funding elsewhere.

 So far only ICBC, a large commercial bank from China, has approved a $500 million loan for the dam’s equipment . Ikal has held the bank to account for its destructive project in the international media, and continues to do so. Even in China, ICBC’s decision is now being considered a case of lacking corporate social responsibility. A few weeks ago, the Chinese government directed its banks to align overseas projects with “international best practices” on social and environmental risks.

She is at present lobbying the Kenyan Government to pull out of the project as Kenya was slotted to purchase one-third of the electricity generated by the dam.For this she is to be lauded as a heroine with much foresight.Indeed while the desire to generate and increase the capacity of the Ethiopian Government to provide electricity is a beneficial venture, it must be done in an Eco friendly and sustainable manner taking into consideration the needs of the communities dependent on the Lake Turkana for their livelihood.

Congratulations Ikal Angelei continue voicing the voices of the voiceless  majority!

Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World-Launch !

MasterCard Worldwide and the Singapore National Committee for UN Women Launch Second Edition of Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World 

Ready to change the world? Project Inspire 2012 is here!

Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World is a joint initiative by the Singapore Committee for UN Women and MasterCard Worldwide to present 18-35 year old changemakers with a 5-minute platform to pitch their inspired story to the world.

Kenyan and East African NGO’s and NPO’s are encouraged to submit their entry through www.5minutestochangetheworld.org  for a chance to win a Women’s Empowerment Grant for their particular program.

The winning entry receives a USD 25,000 grant to go towards creating a sustainable impact in the lives of disadvantaged women and girls in Asia/Pacific, Middle East or Africa

Why Women?

o   Women are less likely to have access to land, credit, decent jobs even though a growing body of research shows that the achievement of gender equality has enormous socio-economic ramifications. Occupational segregation and gender wage gaps continue to persist in all parts of the world.
o   Empowered women and girls have a truly transformative role to play in their communities but they are rarely afforded the opportunities that will allow them to fulfill their enormous potential.
o   Various fields such as entrepreneurship, community health, agriculture and technology provide potential opportunities to empower women

To qualify for the USD 25,000 Women’s Empowerment grant, any Kenyan project must meet the following requirements:

o   The program must enable disadvantaged women and girls to attain sustained livelihood through entrepreneurship
o   Beneficiaries must be women or girls in Asia/Pacific, Middle East or Africa
o   Must be an existing women’s empowerment program
o   Submissions can take form of a 5-minute video or 1-page written proposal
o   Participants can be men and women from anywhere in the world

Ushahidi Platform Deployed in Cote d'Ivoire Crisis

I feel proud to see the  webmashup Ushahidi Platform deployed in Cote d'Ivoire to crowd-source and map crisis incidences following the 2010 disputed elections and now looming Civil War/Discontent.The Platform has been deployed under the website Wonzomai.com (see screenshot below):

The website is rapidly gaining popularity among the Citizenry of Cote d'Ivoire as Users update via Facebook and Twitter on incidences of violence,events ,humanitarian crises ,unusual occurrences ...etc. The Ushahidi platform was first deployed in Kenya in 2008 following the hotly disputed and contested elections and the violence that followed therafter by a group of Kenyan bloggers and coders.

The original Ushahidi website was used to map incidents of  peace efforts and violence throughout the country based on reports submitted via the web and mobile phones. The website currently has over 45,000 users in Kenya indicating its popularity and the willingness of Citizens to inform the outside World on first hand basis their experiences.The Platform has been deployed in several potentially crisis areas such as Sudan- Darfur region and during the 2011 election, Haiti etc.The success of Ushahidi to me illustrates the positive power of innovation that blogging and citizen journalism can contribute to the development of the emerging information and technology generation.This kind of innovation has the power to rapidly change the economic and social conditions in many of the under developed/Third World Countries.

The Albino Massacre's in Tanzania(looking Back)

Some time last year Kenyans were shocked in the ongoings in our neighbouring Country Tanzania with regards to the killing and maiming of albinos by certain groups of people(especially in the Mwanza region of Tanzania) all in the name of obtaining body parts for witchcraft purposes! The grim stories of Tanzania Albino massacres caught the international conscious of many nations. A year later i wonder what is being done to stem the practice and or educate the masses against erroneous beliefs or customs that are of such barbaric nature !

It was indeed sad to see the killings were being done under mistaken advice by witchdoctors that magic portions made from skins of persons impaired by albinism could make one rich.The clamour to get rich fueled the trade and even persons impaired by Albinism in Kenya(see this past CCI ARTICLE), Rwanda and Burundi even came under threat from the "lucrative" trade!

I stumbled upon a website that is insightful about an international NGO that has taken upon itself this worthy task .The site is calledUnderthesamesun. founded by Peter Ash a Canadian living with albinism in vancouver.His organization "exists to promote the wellbeing of persons often disadvantaged by disability and/or poverty. The organization wishes to provide a variety of supports and resources to those most often marginalized and misunderstood".

While it is true that the killings and murders have abbated and that the Tanzanian Government was firm and took stern actions against suspected perpetrators(see this insightful NEWYORK TIMES article and BBC NEWS ARTICLE on the Tanzanian Government firm response) the truth is that the issue is a social problem that affects many Countries within the East African region. It is sad that in so many ways persons with certain disabilities continued to be discriminated against or even ignored by the Governments.

As we look back at those spte of killings it is imperative to ask what can be done to ensure that a repeat attack or an underground trade in human body parts of albino impaired persons does not flourish?You and i have a part to play no matter where we live or originate from!

My call hereby is that we all take a part in informing our friends, relatives associates to treat all humans equally and equitably no matter what the impairment or disability.We are all equal and have equal value before our creator.We have more things in common with anyone impaired than thoe that differentiate us, we have more that unite us than those that differentiate us! and we all under close scrtiny are impaired in one way or the other and ought not to distinguish as against another.Killing others based on ethnicity, riches, creed, colour , impairment is crass wickedness, demonic and outright immoral even for persons without or proffesing no belief in God !

Nairobi University Students Protest Gangland Style Killing of Activists

The street protests called by Nairobi University students through the streets of nairobi have proved somewhat peaceful save for their closing state house road at the moment .The students from University of Nairobi and Egerton University called for the demonstrations to protest against the killing of a University of Nairobi student by riot police on Thursday- 5 March, 2009 evening following a protest on the gangland type of execution of two activists from Oscar Foundation, Mr Oscar Kamau King’ara and Mr Paul Oulu,who were killed on State House Road near the university hostels by unknown gunmen who were for the better part of the day trailling them!What is perhaps disturbing is that the Government spokesman in response to the event claimed that the two activists were funding the activities of a banned group!

According to Nation online the students official demonstration was peaceful .They first gathered at Nairobi University grounds, marched through Kenyatta Avenue, through Uhuru Highway and onto Uhuru Park where they were addressed by Student Leaders thereafter they were proceeding to Vigilance House to give the Police Commisioner their signed petition against the wanton killing. I believe had the police stopped them earlier on we would have massive riots in town as we speak, for now they are confined to the area around the students hostel which proves that there can be order in some of this things. It's the hooliganisms that really spoils everything!

Amnesty International has a press statement on the killing of the activits at their site:Heres the url link for the press release.

CallingAmerica.com Free USA Calls !

Guantanamo Military Prison -The Remaining Bit !

On November 13th 2001 following the twin towers USA bombing the then American President George Bush signed an executive order that would among other things result in the establishment of the Guantanmmo Military Prison where detainees of the alleged"war against Terror" would be held without any formal trial.The age old adage you are innocent till proven guilty was put to shame and disregarded!

This step led to various Human Rights abuses that need to be addressed at the present moment. Whereas the Current USA President Baarck H Obama has signed an executive order towards he closure of this facilities ! It is prudent that this matter receive his further attention. The USA oplays a big brother role and if it is seen that the USA can tolerate and or encourage impunity, then other countries may be tempted to follow suit including African Countries which have a known tendency and habit to abuse human rights.

Amnesty international seeks to engage you in acampaign to ensure that those who forment, encourage and perpetuate impunity should be held to account no matter their creed,race, stature or colour!

Since January 11 2009 Amnesty international began an Obama 100 Days e-action campaign with a globalpetition calling for international solidarity behind 17 concrete steps to change US policy( list of which can be obtained at the site).

The Kenyan debate at the moment revolves around agenda three of the campaign which involves"Ensure that an independent commission of inquiry is established to investigate and look into all aspects of the USA’s detention and interrogation practices in the “war on terror” !

What you can do? this campaign calls upon you to sign the petition at http://www.obama100days.org which will be used to marshall suport for the stablishment of an independent commision that will ensure the whole world knows there can be no toleration of impunity in a modern and just society.

Last week i attended a webinar/teleconversation with Amnesty international officials in the UK and some Kenyan bloggers alot of ideas came forth including the question whether Guantanamo is purely an American Affair(i would appreciate your thoughts on this) .A number of the said bloggers have posted insightful articles that you can read:
1. marvintumbo on Guantanamo
2.odeglenyanginv-Human rights and home truths
3. truemindz on Obama to announce closure of guantanamo

Need business leads?

Amnesty Internationals Gaza Conflict Report

The culture of impunity seems to be so deeply entrenched in international State practise.Almost sixty years after the adoption of the International Bill of Rights and the Second World War it seems many nations are yet to fully realize, enforce and commit themselves to the respect of Human Rights especially where armed conflict is involved.Amnesty International is a global movement of volunteers with the specific aim of promoting and campaigning for the respect and enforcement of fundamental human rights and the elimination of poverty.

Amnesty's researchers have hence detailed a report(heres a pdf copy) on the excesses and abuses being witnessed in the current Israeli- Palestinia Gaza Conflict and the obligations of Israel ! Something needs to be urgently done to ensure that many innocent children, women and men dont continue to suffer or lose their lives in wanton slaughter in the name of armed conflict. You too can participate in a campaign to alleviate the sufffering of those who cannot protect themselves by joining Amnesty International as an international member at :http://www.amnesty.org/en/join and capaigning against impunity!

Amnesty supporters exert influence on governments, political bodies, companies and intergovernmental groups. Their Activists take up human rights issues by mobilizing public pressure through mass demonstrations, vigils and direct lobbying as well as online and offline campaigning.You too can be a part of it!

Amnesty International's Global Campaign For Human Dignity

Last week on Friday i had the rare opportunity to interview two members of Staff from Amnesty International(.i.e Jennifer Sullivan and Natasha )- London international secretariat office.The meeting was quite fruitful as they detailed me the increased focus and interest of AI on African Human Rights Issues especially in the African Continent .The two representatives were specifically in Kenya to give added gusto to the "Obama 100 Days Change Campaign" which aimed at petitioning President Obama to:

• Close Guantanamo ,Abu Ghraib and other illegal detention centers and also to end illegal detention
• Ban torture and ill treatment as defined under international law
• Appoint an independent commision to investigate abuses commited under the guiseof "war on terror"

Fliers were passed around in Kenya, there were radio interviews and a free sms campaign whereby Kenyans were encouraged(and still are encouraged) to send a text message with the words "CHANGE " to the number 8830 no matter their mmobile service provider i.e saafricom, Zain,Orange mobile or YU.

I was helped to know that actually the Amnesy innternational counter terror campaign was commenced in 2001 and that they have been sending emails, letters etc of solidarity to some f the Guantanamo detainees most of whom have not been accorded the Right to a fair trial but were arrested merely based on suspicion,tortured, abused ...etc.For example Abdel Malik Abdel Wahab was a Yemeni National in his early Twenties who was allegedly sold by Pakistani Officials to US authorities and hads suffered immensely in the course of his stay at Guantanamo!

Amnesty international intends to increase its presrnce in Africa and so far they have opened a Facebook Group for Africa's online community, they are also in partnership with African bloggers with intent to not only build an online presence but educate the masses on the need to uphold and protect fundamental human Rights and Duties.AI is global movement with over 2.2 million members in more than 150 Countries.

AI's campaign on Human Dignity particurlarly aims at voicing and marshalling concern and action against gross violation of human dignity endure by millions of people worldwide living in extreme poverty. Often poverty is a precipice for blatant abuse of human Rights: To find out more on this campaign please visit: http://webamnesty.org/pages/poverty-index-eng

Perhaps what was most impressive for me was to learn that AI will soon have a fully operational office in Kenya which for the moment will be funded and suported by international partners .This keen watchdog will add voice and complement the activities of existing Human Rights Organization's in Kenya .

Media Black Out & Institute for Justice and Morality !

On Wednesday i came across a demonstration on one of the Nairobi streets by a group of people who allegedly belong to a little known Institute of Justice & Morality( i wonder who is funding them)!What was amusing was that they were well equiped with printed banners ,blaring loudspeakers, vehicles (whose numberplates were covered) etc.The procession was in support of the ICT -Media Communications Bill/Act of 2008.Suprisingly though this demo was unplanned and possibly unlicensed and yet our over zealous Police just watched as this group joined by the usual idlers and goons paraded the street.Its true that in Kenya we are legally entitled Freedom of Expression which includes a right to demonstrate but what is ironical is that just the other day members of the media fraternity were bludgeoned by baton wielding and zealous anti riot police even before setting foot out of their offices on a planned demonstration against the media bill!Thelaw is always selectively applied resulting in pent up anger amongst the populace.Its time we realized as a Natiion that prevention is better than cure.

A number of Journalists and activists including Walter Mongare a.k.a Nyambane, Caroline Mutoko, Larry Asego ,Jalang`o, Mwalimu Mati and his wife were on Jamhuri day arrested for donning black t-shirts condemning the Government on the Media Bill and MP's on payment of taxes.In this instance a protest for the media by a bunch of goons attracts no such attention!As long as we have a Police force that is partisan and over zealous in carrying out illegal' orders from above' Africa will never experience any meaningful development. Its time when respect for law and order was observed by all and sundry.

In the evening i was pleasantly suprised that actually no media house covered this protest! Infact for the most part of last week the media blacked out all Government functions and activities in protest against the media Act prompting the President to Direct the Minister for Information and the Attorney General to reconsider the contentious clauses in the recent communications law !Just goes to show you cant beat the media they have a strong cane that they can wield against their perceived enemies in this case they painted one political party to be the protector of the Rights of ordinary mwananchi whereas in truth this party aided and abbetted the passing of this draconian legislation.The truth is Kenyans are not so easy to hoodwink and as for the media watch your content and exercise self restraint in tandem with our societal norms (pornography, obscene jesting, lewd music,skimpy dressing,erotica is least tasteful and mind you is strictly regulated against in many countries e.g Saudi Arabia,Qatar etc) lest we the public support these strict regulations!