TFAK - The Foreign Trade Association in Kenya

When it comes to buying goods and services in a country you've never been to before, none of the websites or phone apps that you are used to using will necessarily serve you well. That's because the terms and conditions governing commerce in that country may not suit you. For example, if you want to return your goods because they were faulty, the shop you bought them from may not accept returns. Or, you may end up paying more for delivery than you would in your home country.

For those who love traveling, the idea of buying goods in a different country without having to go through the hassle of customs and paperwork may seem appealing. However, there are lots of pitfalls that you need to be careful of, which is why it's important to do your research before making any significant purchases. One of the best ways to do that is to become a member of The Foreign Trade Association in Kenya (TFAK), which connects businesses to the vast world of international trade. With TFAK, you can find out about the customs regulations and restrictions that you will need to follow. By understanding these things ahead of time, you will be able to prepare and ensure the safest possible experience during your stay in Kenya.

Electronic Transaction Management (ETM) and Integrated Circuit (IC) Cards

Electronic Transaction Management (ETM), also known as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), is a family of standards created to facilitate the exchange of information between businesses. The International Federation of Accountants (4A's) defines ETM as "the use of electronic data interchange (EDI) to communicate business information across organizations". This information may include purchases, vendor payments, product returns, or any other transactional information.

The most widely used and accepted standards in the ETM family are:

• ETM Level 1 - Single Currency and Fixed Offset
• ETM Level 2 - Multi Currency and Variable Offset
• ETM Level 3 - Country-Based Trade and Invoice Reduction
• ETM Level 4 - Mobile Trade and Invoice Discounting
• ETM Level 5 - Electronic Business Exchange (eBusiness Exchange)

ETM is basically a vehicle for moving money from one place to another quickly and accurately without needing to physically transport cash. It was originally designed to allow for the processing of millions of transactions per day between businesses, which can potentially lower costs for vendors and shrink the time it takes to process transactions.

For those who prefer to do business online rather than in person, ETM is one of the best ways to ensure your business can be found and you can be connected with the appropriate individuals. If your business is already trading online, ETM is an ideal choice for ensuring your company's data is protected and not vulnerable to cyber-attacks. There are also specific guidelines and qualifications that individuals and businesses need to follow in order to ensure proper and secure ETM implementation. The more information you have the better, as it can help you make informed decisions about your business and digital security.

Integrated Circuit (IC) Cards

The next piece of information and communication technology ( ICT Equipment in Kenya ) equipment that you may need to consider is IC cards. IC cards are used all over the world for numerous purposes, but most notably for storing and processing financial information. They were originally designed for use in payment terminals, but can also be embedded in plastic cards and used for identification purposes. The information stored on an IC card can be securely accessed via a PIN code or signature.

Every IC card is created with a unique identification number which can be used to uniquely identify that particular card and its owner. This number is often referred to as the IC card's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number and can be found located on the IC card itself. The IMEI number is used in numerous industries, but is most commonly found in the telecommunications and financial sectors. When a user enters their PIN code or digital signature on an IC card, the IMEI number is checked against data stored on a white list of authorised devices. If the IMEI number belongs to an authorised device, the transaction is completed.

Like with any type of technology or device, there are risks associated with IC cards. For example, if your card is stolen or lost, the data on that card can be accessed by anyone with access to that card. In addition, hackers and malware writers can use tools to steal account information, access photos and videos, and even make fake cards.

Mobile Phones

The next item of ICT equipment that you may need to consider is mobile phones. If you're planning on traveling to Kenya in the near future, it's a good idea to research what type of phone you will need there. In addition, make sure you are aware of the charges for using data services while abroad, as they can vary widely from country to country. For example, when traveling to Kenya, you may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card that works with your phone in order to ensure you have coverage wherever you go and can make calls or send texts.

Mobile phones are one of the most popular ways people in Kenya communicate, whether they are using WhatsApp, Facebook, or any other type of app. They also use them to access the internet, which is why it's a good idea to research the types of phones that are available in Kenya and how to buy them. You will also need to consider whether you want a smartphone or a feature phone, as well as their sizes (e.g., mini, standard, or grand) and brands (e.g., Apple, Samsung, or Google).

Secure Home Networking

To stay connected whilst abroad, many people use secure home networking, which is why this is another good place to look for ICT equipment. Most secure home networking products offer a security camera that can be monitored and controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet. In the event of a break-in, the alarm will be triggered and the police or other authorized personnel can be contacted. There are also commercially available products that allow for two-factor authentication via a security code that is texted or spoken aloud (e.g., via an Amazon Echo speaker or Google Home device).

VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allow users to access private or public networks via a secure connection, often using secure socket layer/transport layer security (SSL/TLS) encryption. Most notably, VPNs allow users to avoid censorship or restrictions imposed by country or network operators. This is why they are commonly used in locations where government surveillance is a concern (e.g., China, Iran, or Syria).

VPNs are also used to provide security for individuals and businesses that store critical information on private or public networks. They can also be used to unlock restricted content and services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify.

Biometric Identification

Biometric identification refers to the use of measurable physical characteristics (e.g., voice, face, or fingerprint) to identify an individual. It is a method of identification that can be tied to an individual's digital account, removing the need for user names and passwords. Popular forms of biometric identification include:

• Fingerprint scanning and matching (e.g., using the TouchID™ system from Apple Inc.)
• Face recognition (e.g., using the Reface™ app from Apple Inc.)
• Voice recognition (e.g., using the Amazon Echo™ or Google Home™ devices)

Each of these items of equipment and technology can be used independently or in combination with one another to form a comprehensive security solution for your personal or business use. By understanding the risks and vulnerabilities associated with each of these items, you can create a plan to address and eliminate them.