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Kenya pushes for data governance as new technologies expose loopholes

ICT CS Eliud Owalo, CJ Martha Koome and other African leaders attend the Network of African Data Protection Authorities Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference in Nairobi on May 7, 2024. (Photo: ODPC_KE)

By John Mbati | 07 May 2024

Despite facing unique challenges, Africa also has opportunities such as global interests and partnerships that can contribute to sustainable growth and job creation.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has called for data governance and digital sovereignty during the official opening of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference in Nairobi.

Speaking at the event held at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, Owalo urged Africa to step up and take control of the future in digital.

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Owalo added that despite facing unique challenges, Africa has opportunities such as global interests and partnerships that can contribute to sustainable growth and job creation.

"I encourage you to explore the current state of digital sovereignty and data governance in Africa and discuss strategies for shaping a prosperous and self-determined digital landscape," Owalo stated.

Among the challenges Africa faces, according to the CS, is children being subjected to exploitation in data privacy.

He urged the conference to protect children by ensuring data holders undertake age verification and seek consent when processing personal data relating to children.

ICT CS Eliud Owalo speaks at the Network of African Data Protection Authorities Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference in Nairobi on May 7, 2024. (Photo: ODPC_KE)

Another key challenge is artificial intelligence, with only the US and China having a national policy to guide its adoption.

He emphasised that Kenya is actively reviewing an AI legal, policy, and regulatory framework that will guide the drafting of reforms and new policies that will also encompass other emerging technologies.

However, there is a need for cross-border data transfer and partnerships, according to Owalo, to drive the digital economy, which will ensure businesses and consumers access the best available technology and services.

ICT Principal Secretary John Kipchumba Tanui added that partnerships with like-minded countries and organisations will promote cross-border data flows.

Chief Justice Martha Koome, who was also present at the event, concurred with CS Owalo and PS Tanui and called for increased collaboration amongst public agencies in developing unified data points that can be shared across sector continuums.

"By working together, African nations can create a data ecosystem that serves the public interest while protecting the fundamental right to privacy. We can become leaders in data protection, setting standards that the world will look to for guidance," CJ Koome stated.

Kenya’s Data Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait speaks at the Network of African Data Protection Authorities Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference in Nairobi on May 7, 2024. (Photo: ODPC_KE)

In her remarks, Kenya’s Data Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait, reiterated that Africa will use the conference to develop a platform to network and exchange ideas that will transform the digital future.

The data stakeholders will also formulate strategies to promote regional data governance for digital transformation.

Other notable leaders in attendance were Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Irene Mayaka, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation, German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth, EU Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Kenya Ondrej Simek, and heads of data authorities from various African countries.