Latest update: 14/06/2010 

- Africa - communication - Internet - Kenya - technology


Internet Pioneers Lead the Way

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A blog created in 2008 in Kenya has become a worldwide sensation: Ushahidi - 'testimony' in Swahili- is a free software that collates information sent in by the public. Any one can text or email about a crisis, catastrophe or during an election. Information is gathered on maps that are accessible online. It made the headlines recently, during the Haiti earthquake, which saw some victims rescued thanks to texts and reports published in real time.

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By Stéphanie Braquehais
Quelling the insurgency in Dagestan
02/05/2013 - DAGESTAN

Quelling the insurgency in Dagestan

The Russian republic of Dagestan, in the North Caucasus, has hit the headlines recently because of its connections with Boston marathon bombing suspects Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Their parents live there and both brothers spent time there. The region has seen increasing Islamic radicalisation and a fierce struggle by the authorities to quell the insurgency.
Libya militiamen step up pressure on government
01/05/2013 - LIBYA

Libya militiamen step up pressure on government

Powerful militiamen are once again showing their muscle to press their demands on how Libya should be run. The gunmen are still surrounding the justice and foreign ministries in Tripoli. They are calling for an "isolation law" to pass, which would bar any former member of the Gaddafi regime from political life. But some believe they are using the law as a pretext to try to bring down Prime Minister Ali Zeidan.
Tackling unemployment with 'Generation Contracts'
01/05/2013 - FRANCE

Tackling unemployment with 'Generation Contracts'

With French unemployment at record levels, President François Hollande has launched a number of programmes to tackle joblessness, such as "Contracts of the Future," and "Generation Contracts", aimed at the young in particular. The government has promised financial help to companies willing to hire people under the age of 26, and more money to companies willing to hold on to senior workers that can train them up.
EU bans three bee-harming pesticides for two years
30/04/2013 - ENVIRONMENT

EU bans three bee-harming pesticides for two years

Environmentalists hailed a "victory for bees" on Monday after the European Union voted for a ban on several nerve-agent pesticides blamed for the dramatic decline in global bee populations. Fifteen of the 27 member states, including France, voted for a two-year restriction on the neonicotinoids, despite strong opposition from chemical companies.
Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne
30/04/2013 - NETHERLANDS

Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne

The Netherlands is celebrating its new King, Willem-Alexander. His mother Queen Beatrix bid an emotional farewell after a reign that has spanned more than three decades. When she took the throne, back in 1980, Republicans hit the streets to protest against the monarchy. Now, the royal family enjoys the support of more than 80 percent of the Dutch people. We look at what has changed and examine the new king's role.

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map kibera and ushahidi

by Anonyme - 15/06/2010 - 15:38

Thanks much for the coverage. Just want to clarify, Map Kibera and Voice of Kibera operate separately from Ushahidi. Erica Hagen is affiliated with Map Kibera. So am I ... though I'm wearing an Ushahidi t-shirt right now.

-Mikel Maron

nice piece, unfortunately not factual

by Anonyme - 15/06/2010 - 14:37

Your piece is about two different initiatives: Map Kibera (http://mapkibera.org) and Ushahidi (http://www.ushahidi.com). Its a pity that you conflate them.

Thanks for covering Ushahidi

by Anonyme - 15/06/2010 - 13:29

Thanks for covering Ushahidi and Voice of Kibera! But, please be careful with the facts. You have some factual errors. For one, Erica Hagen is not with Ushahidi. She's the co-lead on the Map Kibera (www.mapkibera.org) project and leading the Voice of Kibera initiative, which is just one part of Map Kibera. When you show the youth mapping, you indicate them as Voice of Kibera, but it should say Map Kibera. Of that group, only a subset is working on both projects. The Voice of Kibera site uses the Kibera map created by the mappers and is run on the Ushahidi platform and is intended to be a place where anyone from Kibera or with information relevant to Kibera can send information via SMS or web. Overall, Map Kibera should I received the proper credit and identification of their work, which also uses new technologies and the Internet!

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