This project seeks to strengthen research and policy capacity that enables policy leaders in the Global south to respond to rapidly changing digital environments and helps ensure they use objective, high quality research to inform decisions on digital policy related issues. Through the funding support, CIPIT will be able to produce knowledge in key cyber policy areas in innovation, security and rights.
This project will advance the goal of promoting fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the free flow of information online. This will be achieved by supporting more consistent and formalized coordination among leading digital rights legislation and case documentation initiatives, amplifying awareness and maximizing impact of applied research and advocacy in defense of digital rights at local, regional, and global levels.
The Cyrilla Consortium seeks to expand and amplify responsive, evidence-based Internet Freedom legal and policy advocacy in the Global South, through coordinated approaches to systematizing digital rights law and case documentation, thereby simplifying access and application of verified legislative, case and policy data affecting citizens’ digital rights.
An analysis of Internet Shutdowns and the Electoral Process in Kenya. The project aimed to research on internet freedoms in Kenya to bring a deeper understanding of information controls during political processes and how this affects public policy on elections, freedom of expression and human rights in general.
Output
The Nature of information controls during electoral processes: The case of Kenya 2017 and Zimbabwe 2018 elections
The goal of the project was to build a global privacy movement of civil society organisations by equipping them with the expertise, skills and resources to advocate for the highest privacy and security safeguards in law, policy and technology and ensuring they can do so in a safe, open and conducive environment built on the respect of rule of law, transparency and accountability.
The specific objectives of the project were:
To produce stronger evidence base to support national and regional advocacy work with partners, documenting the legislative and technical development of the cyber security landscape, of both States and the private sector, and the implications for the security of individuals.
To create the cybersecurity debate we want by advocating for better legal, policy and tech safeguards in accordance with the positions and standards we have articulated.
To strengthen targeted organisations so that they are in control of their organisational networks, are able to respond to contextual changes (socio- economic and political), and are prepared to implement the necessary mitigation strategies.
Output
Proportionality of security limitations on privacy: A checklist for legislative drafting & interpretation in Kenya.
The project sort to build a global privacy movement of civil society organisations by equipping them with the expertise, skills and resources to advocate for the highest privacy and security safeguards in law, policy and technology and ensuring they can do so in a safe, open and conducive environment built on the respect of rule of law, transparency and accountability.
PROJECT OUTPUTS
The project generated a policy paper on “Biometrics and Elections” with the objective of bringing forth the need to incorporate privacy considerations in the technology adoption design in a political process like elections. This was disseminated to elections and its related policy community in Kenya, including but not limited to the electoral management and oversight bodies, public procurement and disposal bodies, Information and Communication Technology Community (ICT), human rights groups, the media and the relevant business community.
The report:
Biometric technology, elections, and privacy: Investigating privacy implications of biometric voter registration in Kenya’s 2017 Election Process.
The project focused one main question; What is the socio-economic impact of Internet disruptions in African countries?
To answer this question, the study looked at the relationship between Internet access and economic growth, the nature of disruptions to Internet access in the region and attempt a quantification of estimates of various forms of disruptions. This research challenged the exclusive reliance on (Gross Domestic Product) GDP to compute economic costs from Internet shutdowns due to the limited nature of GDP in capturing unregulated economic activities that form a significant proportion of the African societies. It proposes extending GDP to include the shadow-economy estimates in the valuation of contribution of Internet access to a country. It is expected the project outcomes will contribute evidence to public policy on the Internet and economic outcomes of a country and the attendant social effects.
These research answered the following questions:
What is the relationship between Internet access and economic production in African economies?
What is the nature of Internet disruptions experienced in the African region in the last 24 months?
How can we estimate the cost of Internet disruptions to African economies?
What are the non-economic effects of an Internet disruption?
From the foregoing, what recommendations can be made on policy and research fronts?
Output
Intentional Internet disruptions in Africa: Estimating impact in observable and shadow economies. Read Full Report here >>Access Link
Dr. Rutenberg:
Dr. Rutenberg is the Director of CIPIT and a senior lecturer at the Strathmore Law School.
He has a BS in Math/Computer Science, a BS in Chemistry, a PHD in Chemistry, and a JD in Law, all from universities in the United States.
Dr. Rutenberg is actively involved in guiding intellectual property and information technology policy and academic work in Kenya through his research activities, blogging, direct interaction with governments, and civil society interactions.
Dr. Melissa Omino:
Dr Omino holds an LLB (University Of Fort Hare), LLM (Stellenbosch University) and an LLD (University of Fort Hare). She is a member of the Kenyan Bar and practices law as a Partner in MJD Associates LLP in Nairobi, Kenya.
Melissa has a special interest in intellectual property. Her current focus is academic research in the niche area of pharmaceutical patents and international trade in relation to the phenomena of “evergreening”. Melissa is also co-founder of the IPCheckIn a monthly meeting of IP enthusiasts that includes patent examiners, attorneys, professors, musicians and law students who offer their services in IP awareness and knowledge dissemination pro bono in Kenya.
Angeline Wairegi, Ph.D.:
Angeline holds a BS in Chemistry (University of North Texas), MS in Food Science (Chapman University), and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (Utah State University). She is an experienced educator and research scientist with a proven track record in effectively instructing large and small size classrooms in institutions of higher learning, designing educational and training programs for scholars in the scientific field, and in successfully managing and conducting complex research projects. She also has comprehensive technological and pedagogical knowledge on the best practices of designing educational programs, for both online and conventional classrooms, that cater to the educational needs of diverse student populations; as well as the strategies required for carrying out systematic, comprehensive, and successful research projects.
Dr. Olayinka Adeniyi:
Olayinka Adeniyi is a legal practitioner, called to the Nigerian Bar. She has an LLB and LLM from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Nigeria, and a doctoral degree (LLD) from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She is a QEScholar/OpenAIR Fellow and a Margaret McNamara Grantee. Olayinka is also a Fellow of the International Centre for Women’s Research of the Coady International Institute, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her general research interest is women (and children) rights, issues, and development. Olayinka’s present research area is on Gender and AI. Olayinka is a member of Law and Development Research Network (LDRN) and the CEO/Founder of Women on the Watch (WOW) Society Initiative, a not for profit registered in South Africa.
Caroline Wanjiru Muchiri:
Wanjiru is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 9 years post admission experience. She has practiced law in Kenya under various capacities with a bias on intellectual property law, corporate and commercial law.
She is working on the intersection of Intellectual Property Law, innovation, start-ups, tech hubs and technology with an aim of informing the policy making process in Kenya.
Wanjiru is passionate about agriculture and the law, women empowerment and intellectual property and its interface with the law. She is a convener, strategist, organizer and a participant of various IP forums in Nairobi and a two-time judge for IP and ICT Moot Court held at Strathmore Law School.
Grace Mutung’u:
Grace is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Her research interests are on ICT policy in Kenya and Africa, with a specialization in digital rights, governance and development. She has been involved in ICT policy processes for over 10 years.
She has a Master of Arts in Contemporary Diplomacy from the University of Malta in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and a post graduate diploma from Kenya School of Law. She also holds a higher diploma in Information Systems Management from Strathmore University.
Kendi Murithi:
Kendi holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Strathmore University in Finance and Business Administration, a CPA 5, and an MBA in Finance from USIU-Africa (2020).
She joined the team in 2014 overseeing all the administrative and finance functions of the Centre. Beyond CIPIT, she enjoys conversations on wealth creation, financial freedom and entrepreneurship.
Catriona Onyango:
Catriona is a CPA (K) and a holder of a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Accounting Option) from the University of Nairobi.
Kevin Muchwat:
Kevin Muchwat is a holder of a Bachelor of Science (Physics) degree from South Eastern Kenya University. He is a full-stack developer experienced in developing desktop, mobile, and web applications. He worked with the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to implement Volunteer Management Systems in national societies across Africa and his strong knowledge and experience in programming and technology make him a perfect part of the team as the Tech Lead.
Mitchel Ondili:
Mitchel has an LLB from Strathmore Law School. She is passionate about the intersection of technology and existing inequalities.
Cynthia Nzuki:
Cynthia holds an LLB degree from the Strathmore Law School and is currently undertaking her Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law. Her interests lie in Intellectual Property Law and how proper securing of intellectual property rights can positively impact individuals and the society through the advancement and growth of the innovative and creative sectors; which in turn will lead to economic growth.
Godana Galma:
Godana holds an LLB from Strathmore Law School and is currently undertaking the Advocates Training Program at the Kenya School of Law.
His research interests are on the impacts of policy on digital rights as well as the relation between IP protection and human development.
Prof Luis G. Franceschi:
Prof Luis G. Franceschi, LLB, LL.M, LL.D is Founding Dean of Strathmore University Law
School, which is today regarded as one of the most reputable and innovative law schools in
Africa. As a thinker, educator and writer, he loves positive and disruptive innovation. He is
currently engaged on the Courts of the Future initiative, where he has brought together
academia, practitioners, governments and judicial officers to transform the way justice
systems operate in Africa. He is the recipient of the 2018 Utumishi Bora National Award in
Research & Writing, the 2016 Australian Award and Visiting Fellowship at Griffith Law
School (Brisbane) and he has been appointed as Visiting Fellow of Mansfield College during
his visit to Oxford.
His area of expertise focuses on the convergence between Constitutional law and Public
International Law “the constitutional regulation of the foreign affairs power”. He is also a
legal advisor to several national and international government agencies, commissions and
programmes, including international and regional courts, the United Nations and the World
Bank. He sits on several boards: Transparency International (Kenya), the International
Justice Commission (The Hague), the African Prisons Project (London), the Africa Legal
Network (ALN) Academy (Mauritius), the International Association of Law Schools (New
York), among others.
His latest publications include “The Rule of Law, Human Rights and Judicial Control of
Power”, Springer; “Judicial Independence and Accountability in Light of judiciary Code of Conduct and Ethics of Kenya” ICJ Kenya; “The Cost of the Constitution in Kenya: A Cost
Analysis of the New Governance Framework Introduced by the 2010 Constitution of Kenya”,
Harvard Africa Policy Review; “The Constitution of Kenya; A Commentary” (a 900-page
article by article commentary of the Constitution), SUP (second edition); and “The African
Human Rights Judicial System; Streamlining Structures and Domestications Mechanisms
Viewed from the Foreign Affairs Power Perspective”. He is also a weekly columnist with the
Daily Nation Newspaper (Kenya). He has also conducted executive leadership courses for
CEOs in more than 25 countries. He is a Kenyan citizen and resides in Nairobi.
Angela Wasunna:
Angela Wasunna is Vice President, Emerging Markets Policy at Pfizer. In her role, she is responsible for leading the development and implementation of a coordinated approach to advance business-focused policy issues related to drug pricing, intellectual property, health systems, healthcare financing and regulatory reform in Emerging Markets. Previously Angela was Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property Policy in Pfizer’s Legal Division.
Angela received her law degree from the University of Nairobi Kenya, and advanced law degrees from McGill University, Canada and Harvard Law School. She is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Before moving to Pfizer, Angela was Associate for International Programs at the Hastings Center for Bioethics, New York. At the Hastings Center, she managed projects on intellectual property rights, market mechanisms in health systems, and public health policy.
Angela has also served as consultant to several agencies including the World Health Organization, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank and the Department for International Development, UK (DFID). Angela has published several peer-reviewed articles in academic journals, and lectured internationally.
She is co-author of the book: Medicine and the Market: Equity v Choice, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006.
Prof. Githu Muigai:
Professor Githu Muigai hold an LLB and a PhD from the University of Nairobi, an LLM from the Colombia University Law School and Diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). He was called to the Bar in 1985. He specializes in public procurement law, corporate finance, civil and commercial litigation. In addition to the practice of Law, he is the immediate former Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya.
Florence Ogonjo:
Florence is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, with three years’ experience post admission.
Her interests are in the intersection of human rights with technology.
She is a social impact enthusiast and a member of Vitabu Vyetu Foundation.
Alberto J. Cerda Silva:
Alberto J. Cerda Silva is tenured assistant professor in law and technology at the University of Chile Law School. As a former Fulbright Commission scholar, he holds a doctoral degree from Georgetown University with a dissertation on human rights, copyright, and internet regulation in Latin America. Currently, he is program officer at the Ford Foundation’s International Technology and Society Program, from where he supports organizations advancing internet policies from a social justice and human rights viewpoint worldwide. E-mail: acerda@uchile.cl
Rachel Achieng’:
Rachel Achieng' is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Her interests lie at the intersection of law and technology.
Amrit Labhuram:
Amrit is an LLB holder from Strathmore Law School. He is a prospective Data Protection Officer and awaiting admission to the 2021 Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law. His interests lie in Cybersecurity awareness and resilience from a legal and technical perspective and he is a data protection enthusiast.
Peacela Atim:
Peacela holds an LLB from Strathmore Law School. She is interested in Intellectual Property Law and the development of creativity and innovation through intellectual property rights. She also has a keen interest in Sports Law, particularly the intellectual property aspect of that field.
Milcah Kerubo:
Milcah Kerubo holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Strathmore University. She has a keen interest in digital rights particularly on data protection and privacy.
Margaret Zalo:
Margaret holds an LLB from Strathmore University. She has a great appreciation for computer science and information technology and is profoundly curious about related legal issues, especially those revolving around data protection and cybersecurity.
Joanna Kahumbu:
Joanna holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, First Class Honours from Strathmore University Law School. She is interested in the TRIPS Agreement, Access to Medicine and IP, and International Trade and IP.
