The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) is set to launch the fourth regional office in Eldoret as it commemorates the Data Privacy Day 2025 in a two-day conference under the theme: ”Safeguarding personal Data to Spur Digital Transformation & Economic Development”.
The 2025 event will be graced by Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy- Hon. William Kabogo in Eldoret County. Eldoret Regional Office adds to Mombasa, Nakuru & Kisumu.
The ODPC also has presence in Huduma Centres in Nyeri and Garissa serving as focal points for data protection services in their respective regions,”she added.
During the meeting, the Data Commissioner noted the importance of the Annual Data Privacy Conference, reiterating, “As our nation embraces rapid technological advancements, we must ensure that our progress aligns with a commitment to protecting personal data and fostering trust in the digital age. Today’s discussions are timely, as they underscore the importance of digital transformation in driving economic development while safeguarding our citizens’ privacy.”
In her remarks, she further emphasized the pivotal role of the media in promoting understanding about personal data protection and the crucial role it has played in disseminating news since the enactment of the Data Protection Act in 2019 and the operationalization of the ODPC in 2020.
In line with its mandate to regulate data protection in Kenya, she noted that the ODPC has made remarkable progress in implementing the Data Protection Act.
The office has actively registered more than 8,000 Data Controllers and Data Processors, demonstrating an increasing compliance with data protection regulations.
To further support compliance, ODPC has expanded its efforts to provide sector-specific guidance notes, aiming to streamline data processing operations in various identified sectors. We have published eight sector-specific guidance notes cover a range of sectors including digital credit providers, communication, education, and the health sector.
The Office has conducted 84 audits and inspections of data controllers and processors to ascertain their compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, and its accompanying regulations. We have issued Issuance of 192 advisories and conducted 138 Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
Furthermore, the office received a total of 6,817 Complaints and investigated and resolved a total of 6,516 complaints.
The ODPC has taken swift action on these complaints, issuing 195 determinations, 100 enforcement notices, and 12 penalty notices to ensure that data controllers and processors comply with data protection regulations.
The Office has resolved 27 cases under the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework.
The MCK CEO David Omwoyo in his remarks encouraged journalists to gain insights into the expectations from ODPC as a regulator regarding potential malpractices by Data Controllers and Data Processors in relation to data protection issues.
By fostering a deeper understanding of these matters, the media can play a pivotal role in promoting responsible data handling practices and advocating for enhanced data privacy safeguards within society.