Marching Towards Progress: KICTANet's Dynamic Initiatives Unfolded!

Welcome to our March Newsletter! In a dynamic month of digital advocacy and innovation, KICTANet continues to lead the charge in shaping Kenya's digital landscape. From insightful discussions on digital IDs to empowering vulnerable groups with cybersecurity practices, our initiatives are making waves across the nation. Join us as we recap our impactful efforts and unveil what's next on the horizon. Read on for the full scoop on our March initiatives.

KICTANet Tackles Digital IDs - on Statelessness

KICTANet led discussions on Digital IDs at the 2024 World Conference on Statelessness, highlighting their impact on stateless individuals. Joined by global experts, the conference aimed to foster collaboration against statelessness, with KICTANet advocating for positive change and the right to nationality. Read more here

Thought Leadership Series(KTLS)

Embarking on the future of FinTech, KICTANet's Thought Leadership Series featured Meta's Sir Nick Clegg, igniting discussions on empowering small businesses across Kenya and Africa. Delving into affordable advertising and improved connectivity initiatives, the event highlighted the potential of open-source AI, stressing the importance of thoughtful regulation for user rights and safety. Updates on Kenya's FinTech landscape closed the session, showcasing the country's pioneering role in driving innovation. Read here

Revitalizing Kenya's ICT Sector

In September 2023, Kenya launched a Working Group on 'ICT Sectoral Reforms' to drive growth and innovation. Collaborating with experts, including KICTANet, seven thematic technology groups were formed. By March 2024, these groups presented recommendations to the ICT Task Force, aiming for transformative changes aligned with Kenya's digitalization goals, symbolizing a push towards a resilient ICT ecosystem and a future of innovation and shared prosperity. Read more here

Workshops:

How Community Networks Can Empower Persons with Disabilities?

In a dynamic collaboration aimed at bridging the digital gap for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), KICTANet partnered with CIPESA to host an illuminating workshop. This transformative event spotlighted the challenges PWDs face in the digital era, shedding light on the concept of 'situational disabilities' arising from tech barriers and accessibility limitations. With a keen focus on empowering PWDs through community networks (CNs),. Read more here

Empowering Vulnerable Groups in Cybersecurity Practices

In a bold stride towards digital resilience, KICTANet and SAIDC teamed up for the groundbreaking workshop "Privacy and Cyber Hygiene for Vulnerable Groups." Tailored for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, it immersed participants in online privacy and cybersecurity essentials. Equipping them with vital tools, from device hygiene to combating cyber threats. Read here

#IWD2024: Promoting Women's Digital Inclusion

On International Women's Day, KICTANet Net and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH addressed gender equality in the digital sphere, stressing research and collaboration to tackle challenges faced by women online, including policy revision. Discussions covered cyber threats and privacy, with Germany's Ambassador to Kenya emphasizing empowerment efforts. The day ended with a film screening and panel on technology's role in fostering safe online spaces for mothers. Read  here 

Empowering WHRDs Against TFGBV

KICTANet trained over 40 Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) on combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Kenya on International Women’s Day. Despite challenges like limited resources, the event emphasized the need for digital capacity building and legal strategies to address online gender-based violence, highlighting KICTANet's ongoing commitment to empowering women in the digital era. Read here 

Webinar:

Inclusive Digital Empowerment

In a bid to bridge digital disparities and foster inclusivity, KICTANet and Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) recently united forces in Nairobi for a groundbreaking workshop. Their mission? To empower community networks in embracing persons with disabilities, catalyzing a wave of accessibility across digital landscapes. Read  here 

Twitter Space

KICTANet TANet and ARTICLE 19 hosted a dialogue on 'Reporting Mechanisms of Social Media Platforms.' Angela and Victor discussed Kenya's existing reporting systems, challenges, and strategies for tackling Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV). The session explored real-life cases, user challenges, and ways to overcome barriers like algorithmic bias, aiming for a safer digital space. Watch the recap on Youtube.

In the coming quarter of 2024, we look forward to:

KeSIG's 9th Edition

Get ready for another exciting edition of the Kenya Internet Governance (KeSIG) initiative! Led by KICTANet and its partners, KeSIG is gearing up for its 9th edition, with enthusiasm to empower participants to engage in ICT policy-making discussions in Kenya, regionally, and globally. Stay tuned as we prepare to embark on this empowering journey! Read here

Mark your calendars! The 2024 Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF) is just around the corner, taking place on June 27th! As part of the renowned global Internet Governance Forum, KeIGF serves as a platform for stakeholders to engage in open discussions on critical Internet governance matters. Join us as we seize the opportunity to shape the future of the Internet and contribute to its sustainability and development. Don't miss out on this impactful event! Read more here

About Author:

Neema Masitsa is a Certified Internet Governance Officer and Media Scientist Researcher who illuminates the digital landscape with insights at the intersection of media, technology, and society. Delving into internet governance complexities and media evolution, she offers a beacon for those navigating the digital age toward understanding and innovation.