Mombasa, Kenya February 6, 2026 – The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) commemorated the Data Privacy Conference 2026, held from 26–28 January in Mombasa under the theme “Trust the Data, Drive the Future,” underscoring the need to build a digital future that remains grounded in enhanced trust.
The conference brought together government leaders, regulators, industry players, academia, the media, and civil society to advance national conversations on the protection of personal data and the promotion of responsible data governance in Kenya.
As part of the lead-up activities to the conference, the ODPC hosted a Media Breakfast aimed at strengthening collaboration with the media and enhancing accurate, responsible reporting on data protection and privacy issues. The engagement highlighted the media’s critical role in shaping public awareness, promoting accountability, and amplifying conversations on the responsible use of personal data.
The Cabinet Secretary, Hon.William Kabogo Gitau, EGH, officially led the commemoration of the Data Privacy Day which was held post the two-day conference. He emphasized the central role of data protection in building public trust, strengthening service delivery, and enabling secure digital transformation.
He noted that as data becomes a critical driver of economic growth and innovation, safeguarding personal information must remain a shared responsibility across government, the private sector, and the public. “Imagine a Kenya in 2035 where technology empowers every citizen where data drives innovation across all sectors, and where our nation stands as a beacon of trust, progress, and human centred digital transformation.”
He commended the Office for convening this forward-looking forum and for its exemplary leadership in cultivating trust in Kenya’s data ecosystem.
The Principal Secretary, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks, enhance compliance, and promote a culture of accountability in the handling of personal data.
”As we engage over the coming days, I encourage all participants to contribute constructively and to focus on solutions that balance innovation with accountability, and economic growth with the protection of fundamental rights. Together, we can strengthen trust in data and ensure that Kenya’s digital economy delivers meaningful and sustainable benefits for all,” he said while officially opening the conference.
In her address, Data Commissioner, Immaculate Kasaait, SC, MBS, reiterated the ODPC’s mandate to protect the privacy rights of individuals while enabling lawful and ethical data use. She emphasized the need for continuous public awareness, capacity building, and collaboration among stakeholders to address emerging data protection challenges in areas such as digital services, media, education, health, and emerging technologies.
“This conference comes at a critical moment. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-driven public services are transforming how we live and work. At the same time, challenges relating to cross-border data flows, children’s data protection, digital health, cybersecurity, and the integrity of democratic processes demand thoughtful, coordinated, and forward-looking responses,” she said.
The conference featured a series of panel discussions that provided in-depth insights into emerging data protection challenges and opportunities. Drawing perspectives from government, industry, academia, civil society, and the media, panelists emphasized the need for ethical data use, strengthened accountability, and practical, collaborative approaches to building public trust in the digital ecosystem, in line with the conference theme, “Trust the Data, Drive the Future.”
During the event, CS Kabogo officially launched a report dubbed “Data without borders” highlighting cross-border data flows, privacy protection, and collaboration between governments, regulators, and industry to build trust and enable innovation in the digital economy.
He also launched a documentary, highlighting milestones achieved, emerging trends, and real-life stories that demonstrate the impact of data protection on individuals and institutions. This marked a significant step in documenting progress and promoting public understanding of data privacy issues.
Other notable guests who were present during the event included Michael Loikenu Lenasalon, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Devolution H.E. the Governor of Mombasa County through CS Jeizan Faruk, the Director General & CEO of the Communications Authority, David Mugonyi, Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha who was represented by the Deputy County Commissioner and European Union Representative Milou van Mulken, GIZ Representative Christin Kaunga
The conference culminated in a Gala Dinner that provided an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and networking among participants. The Gala Dinner also served as a platform for data protection awards where ODPC announced winners in Data Protection Innovation, Awareness, Complaints Handling, and Compliance.The awards highlighted exemplary practices in compliance, advocacy, awareness creation, and implementation of data protection frameworks across various sectors.
In recognition of excellence and innovation in the data protection space, the ODPC also awarded winners of the Moot Court Competition, which provided a platform for law students and young legal practitioners to engage with practical data protection and privacy issues.
The successful commemoration of Data Privacy Day 2026 and the Data Privacy Conference reaffirmed the ODPC’s commitment to fostering a secure, transparent, and privacy-respecting digital ecosystem in Kenya. By bringing together diverse stakeholders—from government and regulators to the media, academia, and civil society—the event highlighted the collective responsibility to uphold ethical data practices, strengthen public trust, and drive innovation that serves people and institutions alike.
