Tech Solutions for Covid-19

Dear Liz,

My Feedback inline,

On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 11:04 PM Liz Orembo via kictanet <
[email protected]> wrote:

> Thank you Stephen,
>
> I like your idea of an open data portal and a single webpage for all sorts
> of communications and statistics regarding covid 19. Can covid-19.ke
> resemble that of John hopkins?
>
*BO : It is worth noting that open Data is not a new concept in Kenya. We
had an Open Data Portal during His Excellency Kibaki\’s regime. I guess
priorities may have shifted. I know there are open data Champions on this
list, it could help if they can give an an expert opinion on where we are
as a country and the challenges we are facing that can hamper the use of
Open Data. When all is said and done what is coming out clearly is
technology has to be backed by strong digital literacy.*

>
> I also know we have various community network projects driven by some of
> our members on this list. How can they coordinate with the ministry of
> health to provide content in the local languages and in forms that are
> easily consumed in the areas where the community networks serve?
>

*BO : Community Networks are playing their part, got some inspiring
feedback from @Josephine Miliza <[email protected]> on some
initiatives they are carrying out at Tunapanda Networks in Kibra to
provide support in Kibra where implementing preventive measures such as
social distancing has been a challenge. They are working with teachers in
the local school to upload content on the e-learning platforms (Soma
-e-learning platform) which will be availed to learners through the
Community Network. They are also Customizing COVID-Related information to
fit the local context by creating Videos and memes to demistify COVID-19.
Some of the Connected Centres are also making masks for the Community. I am
sure @Josephine Miliza <[email protected]> can share more. I am
involved with a Community Network hosted by CISS <cisskisumu.org>
which operates in Homabay, Kisumu and Siaya County supporting over 200
women and youth groups in the rural communities from the three counties. We
are actively engaging them through Whatsapp to understand the challenges
they are facing as well as convey reliable information about COVID-19.
Together with partners we are also working on Videos aimed at informing
educating and influencing behavior change which will be uploaded on our
infrastructure at the Community Centre\’s and which can be accessed for
free. @Rapudo Hawi <[email protected]> is also spearheading a Community
Initiative <kijijiyeetu.co.ke> which is documenting various
initiatives taking place kwa ground. *
*Finally Community Radio is also playing a critical role. I watched a
feature on NTV over the weekend where a Community Radio run by a Church in
Homabay is the only source of information on COVID-19.*
*I agree with you that we need to step up collaborative efforts to share
content which can then be passed on to the Communities.*

>
> On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 12:09 PM Stephen Machua <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>> Good Morning Liz,
>>
>> I see an opportunity for Open Data to boost transparency+future
>> preparedness, e.g. a portal/site where Kenyans and interested parties can
>> track progress on;
>>
>> a) Donations received and their allocations (Monetary + in-kind) e.g.
>> World Bank has already given $50M, Danish Government $3.2M
>> b) Medical supplies (produced + donated) and their allocations
>> c) Average spending per patient until recovery in different hospitals
>> across the country – might inform future preparedness
>>
>> Basically, trying to capture as much data as we can and learn from this
>> process.
>>
>> Hoping to hear what other listers think, especially those in open data.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Stephen Machua
>>
>> On Sat, Apr 4, 2020 at 12:59 AM Liz Orembo via kictanet <
>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> Good morning listers,
>>>
>>> The senate has established an ad-hoc committee that will oversee the
>>> responses of the national and county governments to the covid 19 pandemic.
>>> The committee has issued a call for submissions on the following themes.
>>>
>>> 1. *Health *- includes community health, testing centers, mental
>>> health, role and engagement of county governments.
>>> 2. *Economic and Finance Issues – *Includes macro economic effects,
>>> measures that the government can take to cushion SMEs and borrowers.
>>> 3. *Social, Public order and Human Rights – * Includes protection of
>>> vulnerable groups, and enforcement of curfews
>>> 4. *Access to Food, Water and other basic commodities *Includes
>>> measures to support continuous production and supply of essential services
>>> at affordable prices. Food, water etc
>>> 5. *Support services and cross cutting issues – *Includes awareness
>>> creation, how to combat stigmatization and network access across the
>>> country.
>>>
>>>
>>> Listers, what are your views? How can ICTs help in these 5 areas? and
>>> how can the government improve its communication and network connectivity
>>> across the country?
>>>
>>> Please find attached the call for public participation with more
>>> details. The deadline for submission is 8th April.
>>> —
>>>
>>> Best regards.
>>> Liz.
>>>
>>> PGP ID: 0x1F3488BF
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>>
>
> —
>
> Best regards.
> Liz.
>
> PGP ID: 0x1F3488BF
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>
> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform
> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
>
> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
> online that you follow in real life: respect people\’s times and bandwidth,
> share knowledge, don\’t flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do
> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>