E-communities: The Mirror -
Bridging the friendship and learning gap

There is nothing better than the internet to bring people together. The surfing "visiting friends and relatives" market and traffic is growing. Kenyans are embracing e-mails in a big way. There are about 40,000 people living in Kenya who have access to the internet, with a similar number overseas (Source: various sources). This is however small compared to Bradford, Yorkshire in the United Kingdom (The curry capital of Britain) which has over a million users. In Kenya where kiosks once sold milk and bread, it will not be long to find an old computer hidden in a corner. There are now e-touch centres pioneered by Africa online, one of Africa's leading Internet Service Provider. (ISP), and smaller cyber cafes in urban estates and hotels. Unfortunately for residences in Moi and otiende Estates in Langata, their internet Cafe no longer has an internet link thanks to some possible unethical practices by a certain telecommuncations company.

The internet offers huge opportunities for the Civil Society in bringing change. However, not all of it will be positive. There will be the dark side. Pornography, terrorism, and international crime will take advantage of those communities that are not up to speed with what is going on. It is important that people are vigilant. (You can sell more than babies over the internet, problem how will you be paid? E-commerce credit card payments is lagging).

This section aims to be a bridge for individuals and organisations who have a common concern and theme. We hope to mirror the experiences of people in Kenya with people in the United Kingdom and other developing or developed countries. It will be developed by your input and contributions. We will make a lot of mistakes along the way. But what is a mistake if we bring about solutions and change! (Though one believes in getting things right first time)! Some of the websites and information may leave a lot to be desired. But it is a step in the right direction.

I would like to welcome The Kenya Society based in London who have continued to support Kenya through "thick and thin." When things are not good they are still there. The society donated £15, 000 (sterling pounds) about Kshs 1.8 million within a few weeks. Kenya.org.uk will assist where possible those charities and NGOs who have problems in bridging the digital divide or marketing their visions.

This section will link other like minded groups in other parts of the world. Special reference should be made of the initiatives of groups in USA, for example, kenyaabroad.org. The internet has also gone vernacular or "short wave" as they say in Kenya. Kenya.org.uk is working on a "Kiswahili on the net project," but do visit these other interesting sites.

www.kikuyu.com
www.jaluo.com

If you or your organisation would like to help or be of help in anyway please get in touch.

William Ang'awa
March 2001