Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait updates parliament on electoral compliance
The session, led by Omondi Caroli, focused on how the commissioner ensures the protection of voter information and the accountability of institutions handling it.
Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Implementation Oversight on Tuesday, providing a comprehensive update on her office’s supervision of personal data in the electoral process.
The session, led by Omondi Caroli, focused on how the commissioner ensures the protection of voter information and the accountability of institutions handling it.
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Kassait explained that her office monitors the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), registered political parties, and third-party service providers to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019.
She said that all entities handling electoral data must be registered and that applications from the electoral commission and political parties are currently under review.
The commissioner outlined audits conducted on the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) and said an audit of the electoral commission is planned.
These measures, she said, are essential for guaranteeing that data protection standards are maintained.
The Commissioner reported that her office has handled over 8,000 complaints, achieving a resolution rate of 97 per cent.
Most issues involved digital lenders and political party registration matters.
“No enforcement measures against political parties have been necessary following ORPP's intervention,” Kassait told the committee.
On data breaches, she confirmed that no incidents have been reported by IEBC or other election stakeholders.
Kassait also highlighted her office’s public awareness efforts, including the release of guidance notes on electoral data processing and training sessions for ORPP staff to strengthen capacity.
She drew attention to challenges facing her office, such as fast-changing election technologies, limited resources, and the need for stronger coordination with other agencies.
Kassait recommended legislative reforms, policy improvements, and investments in technical skills to ensure voter data is well protected ahead of the next elections.
The committee engaged her in a thorough discussion, emphasising the increasing importance of data protection in preserving the integrity of elections and safeguarding citizens’ constitutional privacy rights.
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