The government through the Data Commissioner madam Immaculate Kassait has announced plans on countrywide inspection of both public and private schools and hospitals facilities for compliance with data protection policies.
While Speaking during the International Data Privacy Day in Kisumu County,the data commissioner indicated that that there are over over 40 operations scheduled to be conducted this year.
The exercise is targeting institutions with guidelines on data which include learning Institutions, communication companies and health facilities.
The commissioner said that this inorder for the office to enhance capacity to cover the entire country, it had sought and obtained approval from the National Treasury to outsource auditing and training services.
There are a total of 50 firms to carry out training and auditing for this government inspection in schools and hospitals exercise which has not only enhanced compliance but also created jobs for the private sector.
It was also revealed that the office is expected to conduct investigations on complaints related to personal data and do a clear communication to the affected parties within three months .
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo also insisted on the importance of government institutions to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Cs .Owalo urged ministries and state departments to ensure registration with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner following directive from President William Ruto in January 2023.
In this year, 2024 Kenya is set to host the 2024 Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) AGM conference in Nairobi. Among the agenda fir the meeting will be on the data security.
