The first regional office of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has been opened in Mombasa. According to a statement from the ODPC, the office has been in operation for a couple of weeks, but has been officially unveiled by the ICT and Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo.
This is in part of ODPC’s effort to scale its operations across the country, and the new office follows two others opened in Kisumu and Nakuru.
The Mombasa office will serve as a focal point for data protection services in the coastal region, providing guidance and support to organizations and individuals in understanding and complying with data protection Act and its related laws.
Speaking at the launch, CS Owalo noted that the ODPC regional offices will play a pivotal role in ensuring that organizations and businesses adhere to data protection laws while empowering citizens to exercise their privacy rights.
“The establishment of the ODPC regional office and its launch in Mombasa marks a significant step forward, bringing the functions of the Office close to the people in our efforts to decentralize and strengthen data protection institutional framework to handle data security and privacy concerns in a more efficient and effective manner,” the CS said.
CS Owalo believes that expanding ODPC services will help Kenya to better protect its citizens’ data, create a more favourable environment for businesses that collect and use data, and ensure that data is used in a way that benefits society as a whole.
“I commend the efforts of the ODPC in establishing this regional office. I encourage organisations to interact with the Office to learn more about their compliance obligations and requirements so that together, we can build a robust data protection ecosystem,” he added.
The Principal Secretary, State Department of ICT and Digital Economy- Engineer John Tanui, who was also in attendance exuded confidence that cascading ODPC services to the regional levels will ensure no business will be left behind in the journey of data protection.
“This Office will play a key role in enabling local businesses comply with data protection laws which will subsequently enable them access global opportunities with ease,” he remarked.
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS on her part noted that the launch of the event is a significant milestone for the Office and a testament to the government’s commitment to regulating the processing of personal data and protecting the privacy rights of citizens.
It has been revealed more regional offices will be opened, and will add upto 13 stations by the time the exercise ends.