Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, has said there is an urgent need for the country to foster a culture of data privacy as we navigate the intricate web of data-driven advancement.
Owalo said that prioritizing data privacy allows organizations to secure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of personal information, a move which will go a long way in curbing data breaches with its serious implications such as identity theft, financial loss and reputational damage.
“We need to establish a robust data privacy culture in this digital age as this is crucial to ensure trust, privacy, transparency, and individual empowerment,” he said.
According to Owalo, adopting strong data privacy safeguards is not only critical for protecting individuals’ rights but also ensuring a secure and ethical business environment.
Speaking at Tom Mboya Labour College where he presided over the commemoration of the Data Privacy Day in Kisumu, the CS said that the adoption requires a multi-pronged approach that engages various stakeholders and addresses existing challenges.
He lauded the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) for undertaking data protection training in collaboration with Kenya School of Government targeting both the County and National Government staff recently.
He said that in expanding the digital landscape, robust data protection mechanisms can be overstated, pointing out that the office has been mandated to oversee, regulate and ensure lawful data processing which plays a pivotal in the transformative agenda.
Owalo, who launched the ODPC regional offices in Kisumu, said that this marked a significant step towards the protection of data across the country.
He also launched the ChatBot which will play a crucial role in enhancing user experience and accessibility of data information.
The CS called on the county and national governments, as well as the private sector, to chip in and launch programmes and initiatives that will enhance compliance of Data Protection Laws.
In addition, he called for the integration of data privacy and digital literacy into the education system to equip the future generation with the requisite knowledge and awareness from an early age.
Also present were the Data Protection Commissioner, Immaculate Kasait, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO, David Omwoyo, Kenya Representative at GIZ Bodo Immink, and Kisumu County Commissioner, Hassan Alason Hassan.
By Fredrick Odiero
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