Since Kenya enacted its Data Protection Act in 2019, strides have been made in safeguarding personal data. The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has been instrumental, in imposing penalties on violators and deterring future offenses.
However, challenges remain, including registering data handlers and raising awareness, particularly in rural areas.
Valarie Waswa, Legal Fellow at KICTANet, emphasises the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to enhance public awareness and compliance.
KICTANet engages with stakeholders to shape the responsible development of emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. Through its network of over 1000 members, KICTANet fosters dialogue to ensure these technologies are human-centred and uphold data protection and privacy.
The interview with CNBC Africa‘s Tabitha Muthoni about the current state of data protection in Kenya also addressed the crucial balance between regulation, innovation, and data sovereignty in cross-border data transfers.
