KIGALI, Rwanda October 17 – Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS, attended the 3rd East African Community Data Protection Knowledge Exchange & Data Governance Policy Framework Validation Workshop in Rwanda, which brought together data protection authorities across the EAC to share experiences and challenges in data protection and governance, promoting regional integration and collaboration.
The session was hosted by the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) Rwanda and the East African Community Secretariat; the participants primarily included Data Protection Authorities, Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Postal Services, and Ministry of East African Community Affairs representatives. Representatives from the European Union Delegation to Rwanda and the African Union Commission were also in attendance, supported by the GIZ.
.The Data Commissioner emphasized the need for stronger political commitment and collaborative efforts from the different member states, which would lend credibility to standardizing the industry and creating a uniform landscape for data protection matters, particularly regarding data flows across East Africa and the continent.
“Harmonized data laws will enable the National Data Protection Authorities to handle data protection matters in a unified way, especially when interacting with multinationals. Thus, regional trade will be enhanced, and the cost of doing business will be reduced,” she stated.
Currently, only five East African countries have laws and institutions addressing data protection: Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Somalia. The other three countries have yet to enact a framework but rely on various legislations to guide them on data protection.
She further lauded the consent management system being implemented by the United Republic of Tanzania which allows the data subject to have an overview of all personal data that has been used and by which institution; saying “This is revolutionary in the area and region and will enhance accountability and transparency, as these are fundamental principles in data protection”
The workshop marked a crucial milestone in establishing a regional approach to data governance, aiming to realize economic and social benefits within the region, in line with the constituting mandate of the East African Community.
