Office of Data Protection in Kenya launches national awareness campaign

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) in Kenya has initiated a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public about their data protection rights. The pilot phase of the campaign is being launched in Machakos, Tana River, and Garissa counties, and was inaugurated by the Data Commissioner, Ms Immaculate Kassait, along with Assistant County Commissioners Mr Elijah Chilwe and the devolved unit’s coordinator, Mr Martin Kioko of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.

‘The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 guarantees every person the right to privacy. Our aim is to sensitise Kenyans and ensure they start appreciating their rights as stipulated in the Data Protection Act, 2019. The office has made tremendous strides since operations began more than two years ago, the county outreach program is part of our initiatives to increase public awareness, establish partnerships, and engage with ‘mwananchi’ at the local level’. Kassait said.

The event was conducted in collaboration with Amnesty International and the Open Institute and is a component of the organisation’s 2022-23-2024-25 strategic plan.

Over 100 individuals were selected from various government-affiliated organisations, women’s and youth-led groups, civil societies, and the general public.