88 per cent of personal data violation complaints resolved – Data commissioner
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
As of last week, the office had successfully addressed 5,822 out of 6,592 complaints related to potential data breaches.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has resolved 88 per cent of the complaints it has received since its inception in November 2020.
As of last week, the office had successfully addressed 5,822 out of 6,592 complaints related to potential data breaches, marking an achievement in its mission to protect personal data in Kenya.
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Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait said her office's ongoing efforts are focused on ensuring a robust regulatory environment for personal data protection amid rapid technological changes.
"Among key focus areas for the office to continue maintaining an ample environment within the personal data ecosystem is increasing global and regional regulatory frameworks, rapid technological advancements, the intersection of data privacy and information security, and addressing cross-border data transfers," Kassait said.
Since its establishment, the ODPC has empowered the implementation of data protection laws through the creation of various regulations, including the Protection (General) Regulations, 2021, and the Data Protection (Complaints Handling and Enforcement Procedures) Regulations, 2021.
Data privacy rights
These regulations are designed to strengthen compliance and safeguard citizens' data privacy rights.
Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, John Tanui, commended Kenya's progress under the Data Protection Act, noting key milestones such as strengthening data rights and growing digital trust.
However, he cautioned that the rapid pace of technological change and the evolving nature of cyber threats require ongoing vigilance.
"It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the principles enshrined in the Data Protection Act keep pace with these changes," Tanui said, in remarks delivered by Bernard Rotich, Director of ICT Systems Audit and Control at the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy.
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton emphasised the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding the citizens' right to privacy.
"Despite progress, recurring data breaches like those involving Safaricom, NTSA, WorldCoin, and e-Citizen remind us that vigilance is key. As we reflect on these five years, let's commit to learning from past challenges to ensure a safer digital future," he said.
Dr Mugambi Laibuta, the chairperson of the Data Governance and Privacy Society of Kenya, also underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance the country's data privacy landscape.
He stressed that relevant stakeholders must work together to protect Kenyans' privacy rights in an increasingly digital world.
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