Eldoret Kenya, January 28, 2025 – The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) marked Data Privacy Day 2025 in Uasin Gishu, Eldoret, with the launch of the regulator’s fourth regional office.
The event, themed “Safeguarding Personal Data to Spur Digital Transformation and Economic Development,” brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, data controllers, data processors, civil society representatives, and the general public, to emphasize the importance of data privacy in the digital age.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, graced the occasion and stressed the need for a shift in perspective regarding data privacy.
“We must move away from treating privacy as an isolated issue,” he stated. “It needs to be proactively integrated into our daily practices, both personally and professionally.”
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS, underscored the event’s theme, highlighting the critical link between robust data protection and national progress.
“Safeguarding personal data is not just a matter of compliance; it is the bedrock upon which we can build a thriving digital economy,” she emphasized.
Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii echoed this sentiment, calling for concerted action at both county and national levels. “In this digital era, where technology is constantly reshaping our lives, protecting individual privacy is paramount,” he asserted.
The Governor further called on the media to play a crucial role in educating the public on the importance of privacy and safeguarding personal data.
The international community also lent its voice to the importance of data privacy. Mr. Alexander Fierley, Deputy Ambassador of the German Embassy in Kenya, lauded Kenya’s leadership in data protection within the region, emphasizing its potential to unlock economic opportunities.
“Kenya is well-positioned to secure an adequacy decision with the EU,” Fierley noted, “which would open doors to the European digital market and bring immense benefits.”
Millou Vanmulken, representing the European Union, reinforced the connection between trust and economic growth and the vital role of data integrity in driving economic development in a digital world.
“Trust is what transforms data into value and that trust is the foundation of a flourishing digital economy. For economic development in a digital economy to thrive, we must ensure that data is handled securely and transparently,’ she stated.
The launch of the Eldoret regional office is expected to significantly enhance the ODPC’s reach and effectiveness in serving the North Rift region.
Similar Data Privacy Day events were held concurrently in Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu, demonstrating the nationwide commitment to raising awareness and promoting best practices in data protection.
The events served as a powerful reminder that safeguarding personal data is not just a legal obligation, but a fundamental right that underpins a secure and prosperous digital future.
