This week, guided by our core pillars, we focused on key initiatives that underscore the critical intersection of digital policy, online safety, and climate justice. Our efforts centered on fostering informed discussions, combating misinformation, and promoting a safer, more inclusive digital space for all.
In this recap, we highlight our engagement in Safer Internet Day, World Radio Day, and other significant activities. Read on for a snapshot of the stories shaping our work this week:
Broadcast Buzz: KICTANet Featured Across the Globe.
Cyberbullying and Online Safety:
KICTANet’s appearance on NTV’s “Fixing the Nation” program emphasised the growing concern about cyberbullying and the importance of online safety. The discussion highlighted the need for proactive measures to protect individuals, particularly children, from online harassment and abuse.
Balancing Innovation and Data Sovereignty in Kenya:
We had a session on CNBC Africa where we explored the delicate balance between fostering innovation and protecting data sovereignty in Kenya. We continue to examine policy considerations and practical strategies needed to ensure responsible data governance in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Powering Progress: A Snapshot of Our Ongoing Projects.
Strengthening Digital Communities.
Funded by the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme, KICTANet will bridge the digital divide in Kenya’s Mandera and Busia counties. Aligned with UK and Kenyan digital strategies andSDGs 4 and 5 it will train 10,000 community digital champions to reach 500,000 citizens supporting Kenya’s digital goal of 20 million digital literate citizens by 2027.
In the pipeline: Recent Submission.
Memorandum on the Budget Priorities FY 2025/26 for the ICT Sector:
Our memorandum prioritizes digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, affordable access, and digital skills. We recommend grants/subsidies for last-mile internet access, completing the Digital Superhighway, and local connectivity partnerships. For cybersecurity, we urge funding for threat detection, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns. To improve affordability, we propose device subsidies, lower internet fees, and community networks. Finally, we advocate grants for digital literacy programs and upgraded TVET/university ICT facilities.
From screens to Impact: Highlights from Thought- Provoking webinars.
Love in the Digital Age – Navigating online Dating Risks & Safety.
Missed KICTANet’s ” Love in the Digital Age,” webinar? We explored Kenya’s digital dating scene – risks like catfishing scams, deep fakes &AI in romance. KICTANet shares real time stories, challenges and safety tips.
The Nexus Between Disinformation, Radicalization and Violent Extremism.
We hosted a webinar that shared the complex challenge of online radicalization, exacerbated by spread of disinformation. The discussion explored strategies for countering harmful narratives and promoting critical thinking skills to build resilience against online manipulation.
On the Global Stage: Top Stories.
The AI Summit in Paris highlighted AI expansion and innovation, with France emerging as a key hub. Discussions focused on deregulation in Europe, €109B pledged by France and €50B by the EU, and a partial global AI strategy signed by many, excluding the US and UK. AI’s impact on work was noted, with the Global South seen as embracing AI faster than wealthier nation
Worldwide Calendar of Key Events.
Safer Internet Day:
A Call for Shared Responsibility: KICTANet joined the global community in observing Safer Internet Day, emphasising the importance of shared responsibility in creating a safer online environment. Our call to action highlights the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including individuals, families, educators, and policymakers.
World Radio Day:
Bridging Digital Policy and Climate Justice: KICTANet celebrated World Radio Day by exploring the powerful role radio plays in connecting communities and fostering dialogue. In line with this year’s theme “Radio and climate change, our focus highlighted the intersection of digital policy and climate justice, recognizing radio’s ability to disseminate crucial information and empower local action on climate change.
Save the Dates: Big Events Just Around the Corner.
Save the Date – Stakeholders Engagement: Rights Con 25 Taipei Hybrid:
The 13th edition of RightsCon will be held in Taipei and online from February 24-27, 2025. KICTANet will host a session titled “Mapping and Mitigating Online Gender-Based Violence in Africa: Insights from KICTANet’s OGBV Map.” This session will share findings from KICTANet’s ongoing research documenting the prevalence and impact of online gender-based violence (OGBV) in Kenya. This research is essential for understanding the scope of the problem, informing effective policy interventions, and raising public awareness.
Africa meetup: KICTANet will host a virtual Africa meetup during RightsCon on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 7:15 AM to 8:15 AM Taiwan time (3:15 PM Kenyan time). This meetup will provide a forum to discuss issues of common interest to the African continent. Further details, including how to participate, will be shared soon. All are welcome to attend.
Save the Date: Africa Tech Policy Summit – May 12-16, 2025 in Nairobi
Join KICTANet for the inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit, a landmark event convening policymakers, private sector leaders, academia, civil society, and tech startups from across the continent. This summit, taking place daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, will focus on harmonizing tech policies, exploring emerging technologies, and fostering multi-stakeholder engagement. Featured Sub-Events include:
- 18th Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF): The KeIGF will explore “Tech for human development: Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance.” This year’s event will also feature Youth and Children’s IGFs.
- East Africa Internet Governance Forum: This regional forum will facilitate knowledge exchange and best practice sharing among East African stakeholders.
The Africa Tech Policy Summit aims to generate actionable recommendations for harmonizing tech policies across Africa, foster partnerships, and identify pathways for supporting innovation and inclusive digital transformation.
Summary by : Neema Mujesia & David Indeje , Communications officers at KICTANet.
