NAIROBI, Kenya, September 9 –In a bid to enhance data protection compliance, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner held a meeting with representatives from reglators, membership bodies and associations under a strategic partnership aimed at building a culture of responsibility around data usage.

“Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS stated that through such partnerships, these organizations will play an instrumental role in ensuring that the entities under their purview adhere to the law and that data handlers not only understand their legal obligations but also take the necessary steps to fulfill them.

“No single entity can tackle data protection challenges alone. We all have a role in this ecosystem.That is why partnerships like the ones are essential. By ensuring compliance with data protection laws, we are upholding the dignity and privacy of every Kenyan.

She also raised concerns about the rise of data breaches, identity theft, and intrusive surveillance in the digital age, calling personal data protection a moral imperative. She urged the outfits to educate individuals, businesses and entities they accredit or register on the importance of data privacy and empower them to adopt secure and ethical data practices.

In her remarks, Deputy Data Commissioner Rose Mosero, HSC, FIP emphasized that the first step towards compliance is registration with the Office noting that :It is not merely a formality but a legal obligation that ensures transparency and accountability. It allows us to identify and track entities processing personal data, assess their compliance with the law, and intervene when necessary to protect individuals’ data rights. “

“After registration data handlers are required to gradually build their data compliance maturity with continuous engagements with both the Office and accredited partners,” she pointed out.