The Government of Kenya has taken another major leap in its digital transformation journey with the official launch of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) Nyeri regional office and the unveiling of the Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029.
The launch ceremony, held at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, accompanied by the Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait and Nyeri County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi, among other senior government officials and stakeholders.
The move signifies Kenya’s firm commitment to ensuring that as the country accelerates digital development, robust data governance and privacy remain at the core of that progress.
Speaking during the event, CS Kabogo affirmed that data protection is not just a legal requirement but a foundational pillar of digital trust, which is essential for any thriving digital economy. “With the opening of this eighth regional office in Nyeri, we are bringing data protection services closer to the people and laying down infrastructure for a secure, transparent, and inclusive digital future for all Kenyans,” Kabogo said.
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He emphasized that Kenya’s long-term digital transformation is anchored in the National Digital Master plan 2022 – 2023, a framework positioning ICT as a driver of social and economic growth. “Our collective vision is to build a digitally empowered nation where every citizen regardless of location or background can benefit from the digital economy,” he added.
To achieve this vision, the government is implementing several high-impact initiatives, including the rollout of an additional 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, the establishment of 1,450 digital hubs in every constituency, and the digitization of government services through the e-Citizen platform.
Another key program, DITOBE (Digital Talent Program), is equipping Kenyan youth with vital digital skills and creating pathways for employment in the digital space.
While these initiatives signal progress, CS Kabogo reiterated that they must be accompanied by strong privacy protections. “When you access government services online or make mobile financial transactions, your trust depends on the assurance that your personal data is safe. Data protection must be by design or by default,” he said.
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The ODCP Strategic plan 2025 – 2029, themed “Promoting Your Personal Data Protection – By Design or By Default”, outlines the roadmap for strengthening Kenya’s data governance framework.
The plan includes enhancing legal and policy frameworks, building institutional enforcement capacity, increasing public awareness, and harmonizing regulatory practices with global standards such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
A major highlight of the plan is the upcoming review of the Data Protection Act 2019 to address emerging technologies and data-sharing challenges. Notably, Kenya will also pursue an EU adequacy decision, a milestone that could elevate the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors and expand digital trade opportunities with Europe.
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait noted that the strategic plan includes the introduction of regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“We are creating safe spaces for innovation to thrive without compromising the privacy of Kenyans,” she stated.
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According to Kassait, these innovations will be guided by a “citizen-first” approach where data privacy is embedded into systems and services from the beginning. “Our goal is to ensure that data protection is not an afterthought but an integral part of Kenya’s digital development,” she said.
The Nyeri office joins other regional offices as part of the government’s plan to establish 13 ODPC offices countrywide and extend services to all Huduma Centers, as outlined in the Fourth Medium-Term Plan and Nanyuki Cabinet resolutions.
CS Kabogo further directed the ODPC to work with key stakeholders to draft updated regulations on social media and the online sharing of personal data, recognizing the rapid shift in how personal data is shared in digital spaces.
He concluded with a call to action: “I urge government agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and every Kenyan to actively support this journey. Let us work together to position Kenya as Africa’s leader in responsible digital innovation.”
With strong policy backing, strategic investment in infrastructure, and a commitment to data privacy, Kenya is poised to emerge not only as a regional technology hub but also as a trusted player in the global digital economy.
By Rodgers Wagura
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