Tech Solutions for Covid-19

Hi

Something like what ushahidi is doing

kenyacovid19.ushahidi.io/views/map

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Wambui Wambui via kictanet <
kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:

> My thoughts are related to awareness creation and information
> provision. Various technologies can be used to promote each citizen’s right
> to accurate and timely information, accountable leadership, and responsible
> use of public resources. Some ideas:
>
> 1. I echo Stephen Machua’s call for an open data portal that
> provides centralized information in English and Swahili on the areas he
> suggested. The Open Data portal was promoted in the previous administration
> but seems to have lapsed under this one. In addition to the areas that were
> proposed for what can be on the Open Data portal, here are a few others:
>
> a. Criteria for testing for COVID-19
>
> b. How many test kits are available, by county
>
> c. How many people tested at any given time, by county
>
> d. Relevant policies/laws related to COVID-19
>
> e. County-specific information related to COVID-19 e.g. measures
> taken to address the matter (hand-washing points), medical centres for
> testing and treatment, hotlines to call in the event of an emergency, etc.
>
>
>
> 2. Use digital technologies to encourage devolved communication
> between citizens and government down to location/sub-location level.
> Chief Kariuki in Lanet Location, Nakuru County effectively used to send
> texts to residents through Twitter. This service has since been
> discontinued but the Committee could look into reviving it so as to allow
> chiefs/subchiefs to:
>
> a. provide national updates and information in their areas.
>
> b. Provide County-specific updates and information
>
> Residents can also use such platforms to:
>
> c. raise concerns particular to their needs/area through their
> chiefs/subchiefs, which can then be escalated upwards.
>
> d. propose solutions for particular needs in their community
>
>
>
> 3. Authorities should provide frequent, accurate updates in
> different languages on multiple platforms – e.g. social media, mainstream
> media, trusted community leaders – from credible sources. This would also a
> more effective way to curb misinformation rather than resorting to threats
> of arrests, etc.
>
>
>
> 4. Government can also partner with telcos and local developers in
> deploying technology (apps, mobile phones) to enable information exchange
> across counties (e.g. about food availability) without violating rights to
> privacy.
>
>
>
> 5. A final thought for the committee is that nations such as Germany are
> on lockdown with no incidences of policy brutality or citizen outcry.
> Citizen compliance can be achieved if authorities can do the following:
>
> a) show empathy/understanding of citizens’ needs (e.g. not everyone is
> able to stay at home for days on end working remotely so provide
> options/alternatives)
>
> b) treat all citizens with respect
>
> c) acknowledge that digital access is not equally available to all, so
> ensure that everyone has access to similar COVID-related information
>
> d) be accountable for the resources that are generated through taxpayer
> money (why an Open Data portal becomes useful).
>
> e) be willing to take responsibility for mistakes made, and to show how
> the errors are being addressed.
>
> f) be willing to explain tough decisions
>
> g) be willing to do their jobs as they should. E.g. Legislators should
> develop far-reaching policies and laws that will revitalize national/county
> economies and institutions, not just buy self-branded soaps.
>
>
>
> Thanks.
>
> WW
>
> On Tue, Apr 7, 2020 at 11:59 AM Barrack Otieno via kictanet <
> kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
>
>> Dear Liz,
>>
>> My Feedback inline,
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 11:04 PM Liz Orembo via kictanet <
>> kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> 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 <josephine.miliza@gmail.com> 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 <josephine.miliza@gmail.com> 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 <rapudohawi@gmail.com> 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 <stephenmachua@gmail.com>
>>> 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 <
>>>> kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> 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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>>>>>
>>>>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder
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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
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>>>
>>
>>
>> —
>> Barrack O. Otieno
>> +254721325277
>> +254733206359
>> Skype: barrack.otieno
>> PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>> mailman/options/kictanet/wwamunyu2009%40gmail.com
>>
>> 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.
>>
>

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