The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) hosted a media event on April 29, setting the stage for an upcoming data protection conference in Nairobi.
Scheduled to take place from May 8th to 7th, this conference will host stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the critical role of data protection in today’s digital landscape.
The Urgency of Data Protection
Principal Secretary at the State Department for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui urged journalists to actively participate in discussions and contribute to meaningful progress in data protection.
“As we navigate the digital age, safeguarding individual data becomes paramount.
The convergence of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) presents both opportunities and challenges,” said Eng. Tanui.
The ODPC aims to address these challenges head-on, positioning Kenya as a frontrunner in data protection across Africa.
Why Kenya id Hosting the Conference
Immaculate Kassait, the Data Protection Commissioner, echoed PS’s sentiments, saying there’s need to tackle digital transformation challenges effectively.
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“As technology evolves, so do the risks associated with data privacy,” said Kassait.
The ODPC’s mandate includes regulating the processing of personal data, ensuring adherence to principles, and protecting individuals’ privacy.
The ODPC said its within the Commission’s interest to reposition Nairobi as a digital hub—a place where innovation thrives, and data protection takes center stage.
According to Kassait, the ODPC has issued registration certificates to 5,195 entities and received a total of 5,315 complaints since the enactment of the Act.
Out of the total complaints received, the Office has issued one hundred and six (106) determinations, sixty (60) enforcement notices and nine (9) penalty notices to ensure that data controllers and processors comply with data protection regulations.
The NADPA-RAPDP AGM & Conference
Established in Ouagadougou in September 2016, NADPA serves as a unifying platform for African privacy and data protection authorities from different regions.
The organization aims to facilitate exchanges and cooperation among its members while amplifying Africa’s voice in global data protection discussions.
The Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) AGM & Conference is scheduled for May 7 to 8, 2024.
This international conference brings together data protection authorities, sector decision-makers, businesses, and investors.
With high-level participation, it promises insightful discussions on data protection trends, challenges, and best practices. The venue? Nairobi—the heart of Africa’s digital advancement.
