Office of the Data Protection Commissioner

We invite you to join other industry stakeholders from both the public and private sector, civil society, NGOs and development partners from across the world, as we discuss the critical role of data governance in the realization of Africa’s digital transformation. For more information visit https://lnkd.in/ddbpq-CR Immaculate Kassait, MBS Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, MBS CS ELIUD OWALO ICT Authority Konza Technopolis Development Authority Future of Privacy Forum Safaricom PLC airtel GIZ Kenya East African Breweries PLC (EABL) KCB Bank Group Amazon Web Services (AWS) Amnesty International Kenya Media Council of Kenya GSMA Microsoft @TechHiveAdvisory EY #NADPAConference24 #NADPAAGM #DataGovernance #DataProtectionKe

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS issued remarks during the ongoing 7th edition of the Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival where she highlighted the importance of taking into consideration issues of data protection in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and in the manufacturing sector. In her remarks, she pointed out that Kenya is being considered for an adequacy decision by the European Union (EU) noting that this will consequently open markets for Kenyan manufacturers in Europe. Further, she acknowledged some of the challenges faced by manufacturers from a compliance perspective which include security vulnerabilities, data minimisation, advancements in technology and fragmented legal and regulatory frameworks. The event was hosted by The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry

ODPC today hosted a team from the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa(COMESA) for a meeting on pre-market analysis of a project on creation of Africa cloud ecosystem which will be implemented by COMESA and supported by Africa Development Bank. Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS in her remarks lauded the initiative as a strategic African solution that will drive the conversation on having a unified digital borderless continent and will assist member states which lack good ICT infrastructure with cloud services. She further affirmed that the Kenyan Data Protection Law provides for provision on cross border data transfer which provides an enabling environment for to support the implementation of the Africa Cloud Ecosystem and ensuring safeguards for personal data protection.

We are pleased to announce the release of our latest e-bulletin. Stay connected and informed with our key activities. Visit the link below to access more bulletins;https://lnkd.in/dFGEJ_5Y #Safeguardingyourdataprivacy

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS participated in a plenary session on the regional challenges of disruptive technologies at the Global Privacy Assembly in Jersey. The session explored the social, economic, and industrial impacts of emerging technologiesin different regions. In her remarks, she highlighted some of the regulatory challenges faced by regulators in light of the emerging tech, including gaps in regulating emerging technologies, enforcement challenges, and the lack of global consensus on cross-border data transfer approaches. “Each disruptive technology presents new challenges to data protection, particularly in defining personal data and managing cross-border transfers. These technologies are ubiquitous and reshape how societies prioritise and allocate their resources to match the vastly evolving techniques they deploy,” she stated in part. She emphasized the need for consistency in approaches to cross-border data transfer, such as adequacy decisions, binding rules, model contracts, and consent. To mitigate privacy and data security risks, especially in regions with less developed tech infrastructure, she suggested “developing, reviewing and amending their data protection laws to establish single independent national data protection authorities. -Strengthening enforcement powers which can be done by broadening enforcement powers, and increasing the size and range of fines and sanctions in data protection.” Additionally, the Data Commissioner participated in a session on common standards for Data Protection in Humanitarian Action which focused on the launch of handbook and training program for Data Protection Officers in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross. She highlighted the ODPC’s partnership with ICRC to enhance knowledge sharing and capacity building of DPO’s in the humanitarian sector to enhance compliance.

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is participating in the Law Society of Kenya Legal Awareness Week event taking place at Milimani Law Courts to raise public awareness on the importance of data protection, educate Kenyans on their rights, and increase the ODPC brand visibility.

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS participated in a plenary session on “How do Indigenous communities develop their own Data Protection frameworks?” at the Global Privacy Assembly in Jersey, Channel Islands (Oct 28 - Nov 1, 2024), themed ‘The Power of AI.’ She emphasized key potential privacy harms from an intercultural and Indigenous perspective, including unauthorized data collection, which denies communities the chance to make informed decisions about sharing their data; misrepresentation and misuse of data, leading to cultural insensitivity; and the commercial exploitation of Indigenous genetic data without recognition or benefit to the communities. "When data is controlled by third parties, communities lose autonomy over how their information is used and shared, resulting in exclusion from decision-making processes that affect their lives. Historical and ongoing data exploitation fosters deep mistrust of external entities, hindering future collaboration and data-sharing opportunities. Misuse of data can have long-term negative impacts on the social, economic, and cultural well-being of future generations,"she said. The Data Commissioner encouraged the development of national, regional, and continental policies, strategies, standards, and guidelines in deploying digital governance services. “Developing a data protection framework is a dynamic process that requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities. By prioritizing privacy, fostering trust, and supporting innovation, we can create a robust framework to safeguard personal information in the digital age. Let us work together to ensure data protection is a fundamental right for all,” she concluded.

Stay updated with the latest news from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner in our latest e-bulletin! #Safeguardingyourdataprivacy Immaculate Kassait, MBS

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner will be participating in the Annual Global Privacy Assembly in Jersey, Channel Islands, from Oct 28 - Nov 1, 2024 This year's theme, ‘The Power of AI’ will focus on eight core pillars of Information, Individuals, Independence, Integrity, Indigenous, Intercultural, International and Innovation. Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS will participate in the plenary session on “How do Indigenous communities develop their own Data Protection frameworks?” which will explore how indigenous communities develop their own Data Protection frameworks and assess the potential harms from an intercultural and indigenous perspective. The participation of the ODPC in this event allows us to engage with global leaders in data protection, share best practices, and advocate for the rights of individuals in an increasingly digital world. By collaborating on these important themes, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that come with data privacy, ensuring that our policies reflect the needs and values of our communities. #GlobalPrivacyAssembly #Safeguardingyourdataprivacy

Our Head of ICT AMOS KIPTOO KOSGEI (Msc, Bsc, CISA, CC, HCNA) represented the Office during a digital town hall session involving Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy , private sector partners and county government in Uasin Gishu whose theme is " Unlocking opportunities in the digital economy " and data protection compliance in the era of the digital economy. He highlighted the role of Data Protection in enabling digital opportunities and benefits of data protection in the era of the digital economy