Date: Thursday, 23 January 2023
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Place: Zoom.
Introduction
KICTANet, in partnership with Internews and Internet Without Borders (IWB), is implementing a 30-month Kenya Safe and Inclusive Digital Space (KenSafeSpace) Action. This initiative aims to amplify the voice, capacity, and influence of Kenyan human rights organizations to advocate for a democratic, safe, and inclusive digital environment. The consortium collaborates with organizations such as the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), Tribeless Youth, Mzalendo Trust, and Watoto Watch Network (WWN) to support advocacy and research activities.
Background
This project component aims to enhance the capabilities of human rights civil society organizations (HR-CSOs) and members of its diverse coalition which includes academia, CSOs, community-based organizations, human rights defenders, government agencies, media, think tanks, and private sector players in Kenya. The members also include organizations working with marginalized groups, youth, women and persons with disabilities. Specifically, the project seeks to provide targeted training to these coalition members on important topics that are essential to promote and ensure a safe and inclusive digital space in Kenya.
To tailor the workshops effectively, a needs assessment was conducted to identify priority capacity building areas, specific challenges faced by stakeholders in their work, and areas they require support and mentorship. This assessment also evaluated the awareness levels of human rights violations in the digital space, cyber threats (e.g. hate speech, disinformation, cyberbullying, cyber fraud, and other social engineering tactics), online or digital safety, cyber hygiene, privacy and data protection, internet governance, combating disinformation and online gender-based violence, content moderation, policy and legislative advocacy, digital inclusion and accessibility, and digital resilience against cyber threats.
Drawing on its coalition memberships and expertise, KICTANet will use the assessment findings to develop a training curriculum tailored to the diverse coalition members and other beneficiaries based in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu. The assessment will identify, prioritize, and recommend training areas based on the unique training needs of these stakeholders. Thereafter, KICTANet will develop appropriate content, and facilitate workshops to build capacity in the critical and priority areas to promote and ensure a safe and inclusive digital space in Kenya over the next two years.
Objectives of the Meeting
The main objective of the meeting therefore, is to provide a platform to understand and validate the research findings and proposals from the assignment.
Participants
The participants will be drawn from various stakeholders based in the digital rights sector.
Event Format
The format will be a webinar format.
Programme
| PROGRAMME | |
| TIME | DESCRIPTION |
| 11:00 – 11:05 | Welcome and Introduction
Kenya ICT Action Network |
| 11:05 – 11:30 | Presentation of Needs Assessment Findings and
Researchers |
| 11:20 – 11:40 | Plenary Session
Participants |
| 11:40 – 12:10 | Presentation of Curriculum
Researchers |
| 12:10 – 12:25 | Plenary Session
Participants |
| 12:25 – 12:30 | Concluding Remarks
Kenya ICT Action Network |
