Items by Teal'c

The Alpha Quadrant

• Fun, Holidays and Accidents

  Posted: December 22, 2008, 4:04 pm by Teal'c

  I'm writing this post while listening to a radio news report of yet another fatal road accident on our increasingly perilous Kenyan roads.
  
  Over a period of time I've noticed a few things:
  
  On Friday, it appears to me that more drivers throw the rulebook (if there's one in Kenya) out of the window, with more carefree, me-first driving exhibited. As a result more accidents seem to occur on Friday more than any other day of the week.
  
  Now, the Friday after pay days seem to have even more reckless driving exhibited, and probably even more accidents than other Fridays.
  
  It's the holiday season - look at the traffic as a result of general impatience, me-first etc, and more and more serious accidents reported.
  
  
  So a layman's conclusion can be drawn:
  
  The more likelihood and anticipation of enjoyment that one has when driving, the more likely one is to drive carelessly in one's bid to get to the 'fun' spot...
  
  Is true for you?
  
  Have a safe Christmas.

• Barcamp Ghana

  Posted: December 11, 2008, 11:54 am by Teal'c

  BarcampGhana 2008 will be held in Accra, Ghana on December 22nd 2008. This event will bring people interested in Ghana, on a variety of levels and topics, together in one place for a day of exploration, connection and enjoyment. 
  Website:
  http://www.barcampghana.org/

• jipange?

  Posted: December 9, 2008, 5:49 pm by Teal'c

  Not sure that last weekends generation jipange event at Uhuru Gardens...
  To me it was just another gig (albeit free) which drew a sizeable crowd (looked like 20k) but when it comes to impart values that would maybe go someway in making a difference in the lives of youth who forma a majority in this country, I feel that a more grass roots, smaller group approach might be more effective.
  In terms of HIV aids awareness as one of the pillars - I assume the event was not focusing on that... 
  Meanwhile some of the youth returning from that event decided to try to jipanga by attempting to rob a lady in her vehicle smack in the middle of the Langata road jam. They went as as far as rocking the small vehicle in full view of other motorists and without a care as to whether they'd get caught. Fortunately, the motorists in front of her realised her predicament and managed to scatter the crowd infront of them, allowing the lady to drive to safety.
  Some of the pillars for me look shallow but that's another day's story.
  

• Sex in the Temple II - 13th Dec 2008

  Posted: December 5, 2008, 11:45 am by Teal'c

• Why I don't watch news

  Posted: November 26, 2008, 12:58 pm by Teal'c

  Might make you want to yell at the top of your voice.
  
  Warning this is a rant...
  
  
  I simply can't stand their antics - I know people who work nearly 8o hours a week, pay taxes on their hard earned taxes..
  
  Up to 30% of this money goes to the government. MPs draw their salaries and obscene allowances from this cash.
  
  Now which fair 'employer - employee' deal would allow such a state of affairs..
  
  If they have large loans and debts to service, they should jipanga - they are not the only ones in Kenya who service loans and debts - it's just that the rest of us actually PAY TAX while servicing our loans and debts.
  
  Mind you, there are still IDPs from early this year and before, a global recession, but no - tumbo kwanza.
  
  Wouldn't this be classified as impunity?
  
  --
  
  Trust politicians to pretend that they 'don't set their salaries' - who effectively set their salaries last time...?
  
  i don't plan to resume watching news - boring, boring same old stuff: politics. Maybe if media outlets focussed less on politicians, they might just realize that they are not as 'honorable' as they think they are.
  

Skunkworks

• skunkworks mombasa

  Posted: November 21, 2008, 6:14 pm by Teal'c

  Imagine holding BarCamp at a beach hotel – a perfect get-away excuse from the hassle and bustle of Nairobi. This may be possible from next year, courtesy of brand new Skunkworks-Mombasa branch.

  A group of coast IT professionals, formerly called "tee-em", has decided to adopt Skunkworks "brand" seeking to collaborate and synergize with Nairobi-based Skunkworks-Kenya. "We will be needing a wiki for that, but will look into it, will try get a page setup on [wiki.my.co.ke] from the Nairobi guys," reads a message on their member's mailing list.

  Greeting the news, Josiah Mugambi said, "I was wondering how long skunkworks would get less Nairobi centric and this would be a good idea. Then later maybe a Skunkworks Nakuru, Eldoret, Embu, Kisumu... and I can't resist this one: Skunkworks Kogelo."

  On use of  the "Skunkworks" name, Michuki Mwangi said "You are most welcome to organize and have a Skunkworks-Mombasa  in actual sense you can adopt the name since no one has trade mark rights over the name other than Lockheed-Martin."

  Their coordinator, Arthur Simiyu, hopes they could BarCamp next. He invites coast-based techies to their meeting scheduled next Saturday at the Kenya Industrial Training College(KITC), opposite the Kenya Revenue Training Institute (customs) along the Mombasa - Malindi Road from 2pm.

  And Riyaz Bachani promises them hookup with Mombasa Polytechnic techie community and says that he looks forward to attending their meetings, if scheduled on weekends.
  

  We welcome Skunkworks Mombasa wishing them well in crystallizing and nurturing emerging innovation. While remembering that skunkworks, work under very difficult conditions to produce amazing results.
  

  Alex Gakuru
  

The Alpha Quadrant

• The (unforgiving?) job cycle

  Posted: November 10, 2008, 1:03 am by Teal'c

  (Apologies for the apparent incoherence exhibited in some portions below...)
  
  1.New Job ->
  2.Excitement at new job with new colleagues and new tea mugs and new toys / pcs .......
  3. routine sets in
  4. fatigue
  5. The questions start: 'have i nothing better to do'
  6. Start look for new job (while oscillating between 3-6)
  7. Start new job
  .. ad infinitum..
  
  Stage No 3 & 4, one suspects, most covers working people.....
  
  --
  At some point, this cycle WILL be broken. A date for potentially breaking this cycle had been pencilled towards the end of this month... But there are many factors/people to consider..... but research must go on.
  
  so school anyone?
  --
  Which stage are you at?

• Obama Mania

  Posted: November 5, 2008, 12:34 pm by Teal'c

  A public holiday, OK, that's pushing it really.
  
  In the US, the election day was not even a public holiday, yet in Kenya, Thursday Nov 6 has been declared a public holiday. Bana, I know quite a few people in the diaspora who are feeling somewhat embarrassed because of that.
  
  A lost opportunity for more commerce to take place, wealth to be created. (except for the local pubs where the frothy stuff will be in full flow).
  
  One of the reasons the US is such a powerful economy is because of work ethic. A good number of public holidays celebrated in Kenya are ordinary working days in the US.
  
  This vision 2030 business requires more working hard and smart, less bumming celebrating. If you must celebrate.. celebrate and work at the same time.
  
  --
  
  There are still IDPs in camps by the way.
  
  There's still the Waki and Kriegler reports that cannot be wished away.
  
  There are still HUGE GAPING POTHOLES on a good number of our roads.
  
  Poverty is still a major issue
  --
  
  Change? In Kenya? Nah? Just business as usual - with the usual over-indulgence of all things political. Boring!

• Horrible Driving, Rain

  Posted: October 21, 2008, 1:10 am by Teal'c

  Last Monday evening I counted at least 5 minor accidents over a stretch of about 5 km.
  
  Today evening, there was a pileup on valley road, while I encountered a couple of accidents as well.
  
  Most of these accidents, if not all were preventable. A little patience, a little road courtesy, and at least trying to adhere to traffic regulations.
  
  I'm actually shocked that the incidents of road rage are this low, considering how inconsiderate we are about other motorists, and pedestrians. With the current rain, it's just polite to avoid splashing water on pedestrians. Going back home to change clothes thirty minutes after dressing up for work is NOT fun.
  
  The road carnage is avoidable:
  
  

  • by keeping to the speed limits (it saves fuel too) - I suppose that the people who came up with these limits were not picking the figures arbitrarily. Even in developed countries with wider roads, the road speed limit is rarely more than 120 KPH.
  • Not overtaking at junctions - it is illegal and dangerous - the number of times I've seen guys do this is amazing. And with the narrow roads that are most Kenyan roads... Of course overtaking at bends, hills is dangerous .. but most people at least don't do that.
  • Avoiding getting emotional when driving, it's not worth holding a grudge against a driver who'll probably end up on a different road.

  
  I've no words for matatu drivers (City Hoppa, Kenya Bus are not any better). They are arguably the most skilled drivers on the road, but they have no semblance of road etiquette. The day we get an urban rail system.....
  
  
  Another thing I remember from the highway code - overtaking at bumps is illegal.. I wonder when cops will start harassing guys..
  
  The only problem with traffic enforcement is that it is not consistent - always a crackdown here and there.. and there's the whole corruption issue....

• Government spending on IT

  Posted: October 20, 2008, 3:26 pm by Teal'c

  Things should be looking up for local software developers in Kenya after new guidelines for IT software were released by the government. 50% of software used in Government should be local. This is great news for local developers, considering that the Government is the largest consumer in the country, and with the increasing automation of Government processes, more and more software will be required. This initiative would also result in more jobs and opportunities for Kenyans.
  
  If we want to be able to export software, we'd better start by developing it and using it ourselves.
  
  Have a look at the Business Daily Story here.

• Blog Action Day

  Posted: October 15, 2008, 5:43 pm by Teal'c

  Today, 15th October is Blog Action Day.
  
  Fuel in most parts of Nairobi, Kenya is still at around 96.5 - 104 /- per litre band, yet the price of crude oil is still falling. This, couple with the current financial crunch globally, and as a result, possible reduction in aid to developing nations could mean that development projects could stall.
  Thus the world's poorest countries remain at the bottom of the food chain.
  
  One wonders whether it maybe better for debt in Kenya to be wiped out, as a large chunk of the GDP is used to service debts to other countries (some of which it is said are as a result of shady deals). Perhaps that would be more useful than giving aid.
  
  At the end of the day, perhaps it's better for help to 'come from within'. I came across a request on the Skunkworks mailing list by a University studies asking for ideas of how to enable NGO's locate areas of greatest poverty globally using Microsoft Virtual Earth or Google Earth/Maps. Using technology to solve problems in Africa (problems which are mainly poverty related) is something I am passionate about.
  
  Perhaps something similar to Ushahidi.com might work.
  
  

Skunkworks

• skunkworks@innovation event recap

  Posted: October 9, 2008, 3:19 pm by Teal'c

  note - new blog is here: blog.my.co.ke
  
  Visit Erik's blog and Alex Gakuru's blog for more coverage of the event.
  
  
  
  
  (Special thanks to Ngaara Nelson (ngaara (at) yahoo.com) for the logo design)
  
  
  Part 1 of Demos:
  
  John Maina kicked off the presentations with a talk on Education Tourism. He made the argument that Kenya loses so much money as people seek education abroad (even if its in next door Uganda), yet Kenya has arguably the best equipped educational institutions. However Kenya's marketing itself as an educational destination is hardly done. Quite thought provoking. Download the entire presentation in Microsoft PPT 2003 format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  John Maina.View full album online

  
  Kenneth Mwangi, a final year student at Strathmore University next made a presentation on Tulipe, an E-Commerce Framework for Payments. He quoted Isaac Newton - 'Standing on the Shoulders' of giants, to refer to how his prototype rides on existing systems that are widely in use, for instance Safaricom's MPESA and the highly successful Equity Bank. The prototype is intended to be operator agnostic and merchant (bank) agnostic which would indeed be a novel achievement, and something that the market has been waiting for. Erik's blog also covers this presentation. Download the entire presentation in PDF format. (Image courtesy of whiteafrican.com)
  
  
  
  Fabian Owuor and Andrew Ketoyo of Metrocomia EA then made a presentation on an E-Book based solution that aims to ease the collection and dissemination of information. Some of the problems that they identified as being solvable with this E-Book, include national examinations (keeping in mind the number of subjects people study as well as the popularity of past papers), a staff training handbook and publications - for instance the Kenya Gazette. Download the entire presentation in Microsoft PPT 2003 format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Fabian Owuor View full album online

  
  Sam Kitonyi (UON) and Victor Murage (Africa Nazarene University) nexted presented Kikwe, a way to send airtime across Africa. Kikwe allows anyone to send airtime to a loved one online from the comfort of one's desk. It allows sending of airtime to any network and provides an easy to use interface. Some of the challenges that the team has identified include the risk of fraud and the development of partnerships in Africa. Download the entire presentation in Microsoft PPT 2007 format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Sam and Victor. View full album online

  
  Ken Kasina started by running a video demo of Wesley Kiriinya's Game, The Adventures of Nyangi. This was a show case of the talent and potential available locally, especially as game development requires a high level of technical skill. During the question and answer session after this demo, Wesley (who was not present) and other game developers were challenged to enhance the quality of their games to bring them up to par with other internationally available games. Ken Kasina also talked about the localization of software, particularly FOSS applications. He has been heavily involved in several localization projects including that of KDE. Being also a highly skilled developer, he's also an active contributor to various FOSS projects. He urged those present to consider contributing to localisation of various software as this would enhance the adoption of information technology countrywide.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Ken Kasina & Erik Hersmann. View full album online

  
  Mugambi Kimathi, CEO of VST Studios made a presentation on Jahazi. Jahazi aims at enabling people who are not familiar with the internet to be able to take advantage of what the internet has to offer from an easy to use interface. Mugambi took those present through the various features of jahazi, which currently is available for Windows based systems. One other key feature of jahazi is its ability to allow any software developer to create applications for any use (e.g. online booking for an airline like KQ, or a stocks watchlist) thus opening up the platform for any individual or user to tap into. The full presentation is available online here.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  The Jahazi.com team. View full album online

  
  Charles Gathii, the MD of Microhouse Technologies next talked about his company. Microhouse provide solutions to various enterprises, among them various companies (like the hosts Sarova Panafrica) and educational institutions. Majority of the software development is done locally by local developers. Charles urged students interested in doing database development to learn and master oracle, and get certified as there is a shortage of skilled labour in this area in Kenya.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Charles Gathii. View full album online

  
  Bonn Ndegwa of Unwired Technologies next made a presentation on Time Tabler, a low cost timetabler tat is designed for use by institutions that do not have a large budget for information technology products. Interesting to note was the fact that the company is not based in Nairobi, like majority of IT firms in Kneya, but in Western Kenya. They specialize in developing solutions for rural communities. Download the entire presentation in Microsoft PPT 2003 format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Bonn Ndegwa. View full album online

  
  Josh Jingo then made a presentation on and the possibilities locally. Using tools like blender and having the right amount of skill, one could easily come up with high quality animations (as was aptly demonstated). He however noted that one of the greatest challenges facing them was the fact that many media houses, and those seeking to have animations created for television opt to go abroad (for instance to India and South Africa), yet there was sufficient talent and ability locally.
  
  -
  
  We then broke for lunch, which was co-sponsored by Safaricom, Kenya ICT Board and the Ministry of Information and Communications. (KICTB promised lunches for everyone (skunkworks..) who comes to the next such meeting)
  -
  
  After lunch, there was a brief lightning round session of 2-3 minute random talks from participants for about 15 minutes.
  
  Alex Gakuru then came up to talk about the main purpose of the event which was to enhance linkages between software developers and solution providers, and those in need of solutions as well as industry leaders. He then welcomed representatives of the sponsors of the event to give brief speeches. The sponsors of the event where the KENIC, Wananchi Group, Strathmore University, Kenya ICT Board and Safaricom. Many thanks go to them for enabling this event to be a success.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Alex Gakuru View full album online

  
  Alex then welcomed Telkom Kenya CEO Dominique Saint-Jean to make some remarks. Mr Dominique was pleasantly surprised by the 'positive energy' he experienced when entering the room, which is a testament to the enthusiasm of those present at the event. He emphasised on the importance of local content saying that it is imperative that more local content be developed. He also promised to listen serious proposals from local developers within a 'reasonable time frame'. Many thanks to Dominique Saint-Jean for sparing time to grace the event.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Mr. Dominique Saint-JeanView full album online

  
  Finally, the PS, Information and Technology, Dr. Bitange Ndemo made his keynote address. He mentioned that he would have loved to be present from the beginning of the forum but was not able to . He said that more opportunities and forums are needed for exchange of ideas and proposed that every two months, a forum similar to this take place. He also mentioned that there is going to be a huge demand for talent in the outsourcing and software development arenas, something in the region of 5000-10000 new people over the next five years. He challenged local developers to come up with a local game - like 'ajua' that is unique to Kenya. Many thanks to the PS for taking time out of his busy schedule to come to the event, and also for the support he has been.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  PS Dr Bitange Ndemo View full album online

  
  Part two of demos then commenced:
  
  Ngigi Waithaka of Alliance Technologies got the second part of presentations going. Alliance Technologies specializes enterprise grade solutions for companies, NGO's and educational institutions. Ngigi has also been at the forefront in promoting FOSS based solutions, and Alliance Technologies also conducts the deployment of open source systems such as ERPs. Ultima Gratis, a grant management system was show cased. Download the entire presentation in Microsoft PPT 2003 format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Ngigi Waithaka. View full album online

  
  Laban Mwangi, Penguin Labs - An Electronic Top-Up system using a terminal running an embedded version of Linux and capable of connecting to multiple operators by simply switching sim cards, and features a web browser among other things. The aim of this demonstration was to show an easy way of performing airtime distribution. It also show cased a practical application of Linux in an embedded device. Remote top up of airtime is also possible with this device. Download the entire presentation in PDF format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Laban (centre). View full album online

  
  Steve Mutinda next made a presentation on Mobile Social Networking and a Mobile Finance application. Steve is a talented mobile applications developer and has come up with a framework that allows various applications to be installed on a supported mobile device and range from social networking, chat, news and mobile finance. What he has come up with for the mobile phone is very much similar to what Mugambi has done with Jahazi. He also demostrated his Mobile Finance application which easily plugged in to the framework. Steve is also a member of the ushahidi dev team. Download the Social Networking presentation and the Mobile Finance presentation, both in PDF format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Steve. View full album online

  
  Mbugua Njihia, CEO Symbiotic Media Consortium next demonstrated some of their products; tumasms, zunguka, kelelemobile among others. Symbiotic aims to converge mobile and the web, and provide services and applications that any ordinary person can use. Some of these include sync services for mobile phone contacts and notes, bulk sms, mobile phone ring tones, and later on, possibly video on demand services. Download his presention here in PDF format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Timothy Mbugua. View full album online

  
  Evans Ikua representing the LPA Kenya and LANet Consulting made the final presentation. He gave a brief history of the LPA kenya, as well as some of the activities they are involved in. Currently LPA Kenya has been instrumental in constructively engaging the Government, specifically regarding the procurement of software so as to ensure that there is a level playing ground, and thus allow local software development houses, especially those utilizing Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) to be able to pitch for Government contracts. Government is the largest employer, and offers the largest number of contracts, therefore it is important for the Public Procument process to be as transparent as possible. Download his entire presentation in OpenOffice ODP format.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Evans View full album online

  
  -
  
  Finally, Paul Kukubo the CEO of the Kenya ICT Board had some final words for developers. He promised that, as an ICT Board initiative he intends in 6-8 months that a CEO s - Skunkworks partnership forum take place. This would go a long way in bridging the gap between developers/solution providers and industry leaders. He also mentioned that a fund to support local content development is being setup. He challenged skunkworks to come up with a Directory/Portal of developers, solutioneers etc on skunkworks for easy access by CEO s, and those seeking solutions. He mentioned some challenges from his experience for ICT startups:
  

  
  
  • No framework to govern Venture Capital
  
  
  • Cultural divide - where no chance is given to young people (developers etc)
  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Paul Kukubo View full album online

• skunkworks@innovation - 4th October

  Posted: October 2, 2008, 11:21 pm by Teal'c

  Alex Gakuru has been very busy co-ordinating this event scheduled for 4th October @ the Sarova Panafric Hotel.
  
  What to expect on Saturday? Below is what we've come up with.
  
  Synopsis:
  -Two separate rooms 1 for demos, other just lunch room
  -Event starts at 8 am and runs till 4 pm
  -Demonstrations room open to the public throughout the day
  -A tables shall be allocated to every solution presenter/demo
  -Skunkers luncheon at a different room between 12:00-2:00pm
  
  Here's some more detail from what he'd posted on the mailing list:
  
  It was not easy to find it! Neither was it easy to convince them, but
  they finally bought into the idea.
  
  After our sustained "support local software development!" screams,
  they now say "ok." Lending us their ears and eyes, they want to see
  the "wonderful software skunkworks have been screaming about??? They
  have their cheque books ready and balk contract forms prepared to
  sign-up your software purchase deals if impressed. Who are they, top
  notch local industry executives.
  
  Accompanied by senior government officials with state corporations
  execs all supportive of homegrown software innovations. All ready to
  work on removing every hiccup in your way of making it big time on
  software development. It's what we've all been shrieking about and now
  we have a chance of a life time.
  
  Calling for "Innovative IT solutions"
  
  Categories (thus far):
  1.Corporate solutions
  2.Mobile applications
  3.Content applications
  4.Document Management System – DMS (FOSS based?)
  5.Communications (*Asterix* etc..)
  6.Public Service Apps
  7.Games ( Wesley et. al..)
  8.Others...
  
  Who qualifies?
  - All local software developers.
  - All previous Barcamp presentations automatically ( how many? categories
  - (Non-discrimination!) FOSS and proprietary platforms developers with
  work-of-their-hands
  - Priority will be given with those with applications to demonstrate
  
  When:
  Luncheon proposed for Saturday 27 September, 2008, city hotel venue TBC.
  
  Toying around with branding; "skunkworks@innovation," "Homegrown
  Software Fete", chip-in?
  
  Format:
  They want to meet famous skunks -buy them a lunch or dinner- which was
  ok, but considering that we should overwhelm them with our abundant
  innovation, I have (singly) decided there will be 20 tables for
  demonstrations. Total spaces are limited (but if I receive
  overwhelming "innovative IT Solutions" demonstrations
  applications...That would be a wonderful problem for me to solve:)
  
  Participation:
  @josiah,@mich, @riyaz, @kiania et. al. compile past software presentations
  @newbies send your participation request to me outlining your software
  specs... will consult and revert. Process will be open and transparent
  on first-come-first assured basis. (And of course "entrance fee" is
  free - all expenses paid:)
  
  Therefore, beg or borrow those laptops (just don't steal:) and make
  sure your fine-tuned software is running smoothly, ok? Come and show
  off your coding brains and seal sales deals live! What else you could
  you ask for?
  
  We're 4 years behind Brazil and have to catch up and really fast....
  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_39/b3901019.htm>
  
  Let's go them tigers.....

The Alpha Quadrant

• Build and Edit your maps of Kenya (and Africa too)

  Posted: October 2, 2008, 11:05 pm by Teal'c

  Finally!
  
  Now with Google's MapMaker, you can edit Google Maps, build your own maps. Fun, fun, fun!
  
  I've spent a few minutes playing around, adding a few places I know that are not on the map, and its pretty easy to use. Its kind of a open approach to building the map since changes any user makes will be moderated by other users so as to improve accuracy.
  
  I'm still not sure ( I haven't checked) whether locations have been geotagged for direction finding, but if not, I guess it will be happening at some point, so the more the locations and sites on the map the better.
  
  Check out the Official Google Africa blog for more details.

• nairobi metro

  Posted: September 24, 2008, 6:23 pm by Teal'c

  Trains every 30 minutes:
  
  Nairobi Central -Thika, Athi River, Limuru, Buruburu/Eastlands
  
  It would be very useful and could ease the load on our crowded roads very much.
  
  I know RVR is maybe more intent on enhancing the use of railway lines for transportation of cargo, but commuter transport is viable. I'm still to see a modern city that boasts a good transport infrastructure that does not have a well developed railway system
  
  --
  
  And whats with this half baked patching of roads that borders on hazardous at times? While attempting to patch up Chiromo Road, the contractors have created large craters on the road ( I know they intend to fill them up) that more likely than not, have been the cause of a few accidents. Considering that this is 3 lane motorway, that is not well lit, accidents are bound to happen when large potholes stretch across two lanes.

• Orange

  Posted: September 17, 2008, 9:00 pm by Teal'c

  Telkom Kenya finally launched the Orange brand in Kenya. Here's a quick review.
  
  The rates for calls are not too bad though I suspect Zain still has the lowest intra-network call charges. There's also some offers for phones though many people I know were eagerly waiting to see if the iPhone 3G would be one of these. Sadly its not on the list of business phones available. Also the phones available don't appear to be subsidized much, if at all - the Nokia E71 at 39k which is only up to 3k off the price at the few mainstream shops selling it.
  
  There's also no mention of mobile data packages (GRPS, EDGE or 3G) so if these are not available, there's really no point of having one of those high end business/smart phones on their network as one would end up only using the phone for text messages and calls.
  
  Looking at their broadband packages, I don't see anything really new. A friend of mine once remarked he would never pay more than 3000/- for an unlimited internet package so for him, these packages would be on the higher side. That said, rumour is that the livebox offers pretty fast internet. though costs may be prohibitive for some.
  
  So I'm still waiting for a really good reason to switch networks.

• moving?

  Posted: September 15, 2008, 1:32 pm by Teal'c

  this blog might be moving to a new location..

• Standing your ground, defending your faith

  Posted: September 15, 2008, 1:27 pm by Teal'c

  I just came across this interesting article in today's Nation.
  
  In this day and age where money is everything for most people, it is heartening to read that even in the face of harsh economic times, there are some principled and upright Christians out there.
  
  Quoting the Nation's report:
  
  “I believe that I’m playing my role in building a society that is morally upright. I believe if you can prevent a man from infecting a girl with a disease, you are straight before God and honest members of the society.’ Mr Muriu told the Nation.

• IEEE Exhibition 11th Edition

  Posted: September 12, 2008, 9:07 pm by Teal'c

  This year's exhibitions mainly featured IT and renewable energy.
  
  
  
  A few of the demonstrations I got a chance to look at:
  
  

  • Hybrid Power using Solar and Biodiesel - combining both Solar and Biodiesel Energy to ensure that a household (or village) has power via Solar or Bio energy regardless of whether the sun shines or not.
  • Developing Energy from Gravity - looked intriguing - it would be interesting to see this fully developed
  • Synergistic Hybrid Energy
  • SCADA system
  • A solar based mobile charger (more than one variation) - quite useful for those without electricity
  • Automatic headlight dimmer for two approaching vehicles - I've ranted about headlights before - would be very useful and potential could reduce some accidents.
  • Automatic traffic offence checking system - reduces corruption maybe ?
  • Electrical Biogas production (process monitoring and control)
  • Market Decision Support System - This looked quite interesting - A business intelligence tool that allows a farmer to choose where to sell his produce based on price, and location. Some of the obstacles that the developer Andrew Owuor mentioned include the need for real time market data from markets round the country, for the system to be of use.
  • iLocator @ Makerere University - provides a virtual tour of the university. Next for the two ladies from Makerere is making it mobile and GPS enabled.
  • Online Farm information system - providing useful info for farmers round the country
  • Online Farm Equipments and Machinery hiring system
  • Building Materials Management - quite useful when putting up your house .
  • Keeping in mind the events that occurred earlier in the year, several students had voting/tallying systems.
  • Thermo cooking - using a regular thermos
  • Mpesa Online Shopping - Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph was especially interested in this one for obvious reasons.
  • The Dullu Game Project - It looks like more developers are following Wesley in the development of games.
  • Mobile Real Time NSE data - A very well done user interface on the mobile phone, portfolio management, hourly data.
  • Using Piezo Electric energy to charge a phone - very interesting yet practical.

• Driving in Kenya: the madness of it all

  Posted: September 9, 2008, 8:58 pm by Teal'c

  Speed limits? What are speed limits?
  This road typically should have a speed limit of 30 kph (being in a residential area with kids sometimes cycling or walking around), but I've seen impatient people doing > 60 kph on this road, even when there are lots of pedestrians who sometimes have had to jump out of the way.
  
  
  
  
  The Rush to Nowhere in Particular?
  You wonder what the rush is, when most of the time rushing only costs one more wear and tear (think brake pads, engine), not to mention (expensive) fuel wasted, increased stress levels, higher risk of hitting someone; basically a waste of energy. One only gains maybe 2 seconds, (and an ego boost maybe) which is quickly lost at the next traffic snarl up:
  
  
  
  

Blah blah blah

Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.

The end of the fish cakes