The Friendly Troll
The Friendly Troll is a podcast with observations of the global tech industry from the perspective of the Global South. Our trolling is meant to enlighten listeners and explore interesting topics from a new point of view. The podcast is produced by CIPIT, the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya.
Episodes
36 episodes
2025 in Review: Africa’s AI Policy & Governance Landscape
In this episode of The Friendly Troll Podcast, the AI Policy Team at CIPIT, Josephine Kaaniru, Irene Makau, and Cynthia Nzuki, join their Team Lead and host, Florence Ogonjo, to unpack the year’s major activities and developments in Afric...
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1:04:38
Government Digital Services and Digital ID in Kenya
In this episode of The Friendly Troll Podcast, host Calvin Mulindwa is joined by Mustafa Mahmoud to explore the governance of Digital ID systems and government digital services in Kenya and Zambia. Drawing from CIPIT’s latest publication "
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39:26
AI in Africa Edition- Reflections from the 2nd Conference on the State of AI in Africa (COSAA 2025)
In this episode, CIPIT’s Josephine Kaaniru and Florence Ogonjo share reflections from the 2nd Conference on the State of AI in Africa (COSAA 2025), themed “Shaping Responsible and Ethical AI Governance, Policy, and Regulation in Africa.” ...
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33:14
Digital Harm: Canvassing TFGBV in Kenya Through a Legal Lens
Episode Overview:In this episode of the Friendly Troll Podcast, we tackle the pressing issue of Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in Kenya. Florence Ogonjo and Doreen Abiero, researchers at CIPIT, joined by Cher...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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38:55
The Right to Research in Africa: Exploring the Interface between Copyright and Human Rights - A Book Review
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Omino is joined by Dr. Desmond Oriakhogba, an Associate Professor at The University of the Western Cape. Dr. Oriakhogba is an expert in Intellectual Property and Competition Law. Dr. Omino and Dr. Oriakhogba have an...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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51:32
Faragha ya Kidijitali Nchini Kenya: Haki za Picha na Ulinzi wa Kisheria
Katika kipindi hiki cha "The Friendly Troll," msimulizi Calvin Mulindwa anachunguza kwa kina haki za picha nchini Kenya, akiangazia msingi wao wa kisheria na athari zake katika dunia halisi. Kipindi hiki kinachambua maana ya haki za picha, pamo...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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13:42
Digital Privacy in Kenya: Navigating Image Rights and Legal Protections
In this episode of "The Friendly Troll," host Calvin Mulindwa delves into the intricacies of image rights in Kenya, focusing on their legal basis and real-world implications. The episode explores what image rights entail, including the right to...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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11:44
Emerging Trends in Image Rights and Social Media
In this episode Florence Ogonjo is joined by Dr. Nomalanga Mashinini a senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she facilitates the LLM Cyberlaw course. Dr. Nomalanga is founder and host of the podcast ‘Image Rights by N Ma...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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47:51
Machine Learning in Healthcare
In this exciting episode, CIPIT’s very own researcher Natasha Karanja explores the groundbreaking impact of machine learning in revolutionising healthcare across the African continent. Join us on a journey through cutting-edge application...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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11:11
AI and Human Rights - Sustainable Use of AI to Promote Human Rights
In this thought-provoking episode, Florence Ogonjo explores the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights. Join us as we unravel the ethical complexities, challenges, and promises that arise when cutting-edge technology meet...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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20:57
Is AI really an existential threat? How is the law trying to prevent this existential threat worldwide and in Africa? A generalised discussion of main Responsible AI policies & principles.
In this episode, CIPIT Researcher, Josephine Kaaniru, gives a brief overview of what Responsible AI entails. Join her on a journey that highlights the looming AI threats like bias and the dangers of AI in conflict situations, navigates the guid...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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5:57
AI and Internet Security/ Safety: Censoring on Content Posted by Users
In this episode hosted by Doreen Abiero, the spotlight is on the intersection of AI, internet security, and content censorship in Kenya. The narrative unfolds as AI serves as a vigilant guardian, navigating the delicate balance between freedom ...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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9:38
Insights on Digital Rights In Africa
In this episode Florence Ogonjo is joined by a guest Adeboro Odunlami of AIRA (Africa Internet Rights Alliance) as they focus on the trends and insights noted in digital rights in Africa throughout the year. They also look at challenges faced b...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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35:20
Building Public Interest Technology
In this episode, CIPIT’s very own researcher Natasha Karanja explores the transformative impact of Public Interest Technology (PIT) and its role in shaping a more inclusive and responsive digital future. Join us and gain insights into the princ...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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6:24
Effects of ChatGPT
In this episode, CIPIT researchers, Josephine Kaaniru and Dan Allan Kipkoech answer the question on all of our minds; Will ChatGPT take my job? The researchers begin by introducing Chatgpt, especially in the context of Artificial Intelligence (...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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9:31
AI and its Imperialist Roots
In this exciting episode , CIPIT’s very own researcher Natasha Karanja takes us on a journey of exploring the historical roots of AI through an imperialist lens. The episode aims to explore the imperialist nature of AI and how it has shaped the...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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7:15
Data Rights and Governance for Ethical AI
Listen to Doreen Abiero in this captivating episode as we unravel the story of Data Rights and Governance for Ethical AI in Africa. Encounter the digital divide as a formidable adversary and Africa's cultural diversity as the unexpected h...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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4:58
AI in the Judicial System
In this episode, Florence Ogonjo delves into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence within the hallowed halls of the judiciary. Join us as we unravel the intricate tapestry of AI applications in legal processes and the profound im...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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27:16
The US Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership: An overview of Digital Trade
In this episode, Calvin Mulindwa talks about the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership that is currently being negotiated between Kenya and the United States. This episode focuses on the digital trade particular chapter of the S.T.I.P....
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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6:57
The right to research and copyright law in Kenya: Text and Data Mining
In this episode, Cynthia Nzuki explores copyright law and the right to research in Kenya, with a focus on text and data mining research. Gain valuable insights into Kenya's legal landscape and technology-enabled research.Resou...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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8:53
3 years a Data Protection Act, ODPC and the future
In this episode, Francis Monyango and Mutua Mutuku discuss the Data Protection Act turning 3 years, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and the digital lenders' enforcement notice.Resources:1. The Data Protection Act
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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26:58
Data Protection Regulations, 2021: A continued conversation feat. Mugambi Laibuta
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Omino and Mugambi Laibuta discuss the recently published data regulations under the Data Protection Act 2019 of Kenya.Resources:1. The Friendly Troll Podcast:
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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39:32
Public Participation in FTAs: The UK Kenya EPA
Continuing the series on the US - KE FTA, this episode brings you key insights on public participation in trade agreements put into context by the recent confusion surrounding the UK - Kenya EPA. What can be learnt from this? How can effective ...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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14:52
Software, copyright, and Fair Use/Dealing - the Case of Google v. Oracle
A recent decision in the US Supreme Court held that copying parts of an application program interface is a "fair use" under US Copyright Law. In this episode, Isaac Rutenberg looks at whether a similar ruling would result in a "fair dealing" fr...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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10:53