Barcelona, Spain – March 3 – Immaculate Kassait – the Data Commissioner, participated in a closed-door Data Protection Authorities (DPA) Roundtable themed “Strengthening Safety and Trust through Mobile-led Innovation.” The session was sponsored by the GSMA and held during the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

During the discussion, the Data Commissioner highlighted the critical role of telecommunications companies and financial services providers in safeguarding personal data, particularly in relation to mobile subscriber numbers. She emphasized the need for robust mechanisms to manage recycled mobile numbers to ensure that the rights of new data subjects are protected and that previous users’ information is not improperly accessed or misused.

The roundtable brought together regulators and industry leaders to discuss how mobile-led innovation can advance digital services while maintaining trust, security, and privacy in evolving digital ecosystems. Participants explored practical strategies to strengthen data protection compliance, enhance subscriber safety, and promote accountability in the management of mobile and financial technology platforms.

Through participation in international forums such as Mobile World Congress, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner continues to position Kenya as a leader in digital governance and data protection, reinforcing the importance of trust, innovation, and privacy in mobile and financial services.