The Data Protection Bill 2019 was made into law in November 2019. The law is important owing to wide use of digital services, and the need to protect Kenyans from online abuse or infringement of people’s online freedoms.
We rounded up the offerings of the proposal before it was signed by the President back in 2018. The insights mentioned the obligations of data processors and data controllers, and the role of a Data Protection Commissioner.
We also summarized for key aspects of the bill, including the management of data on the cloud and the registration process if a person or organization holds, manages, and processes personal data.
More than six months after being made law, the State through the office of the ICT Ministry said it was in the process of appointing a Data Protection Commissioner (DPC). The appointment is in line with the bill, and will serve, among many other functions, the registration of organizations that own, manage or control data.
To reiterate, the DPC must have a degree in Data Science, Law, IT, or any other relevant field, and a Master’s degree. Applicants should also have more than 10 years of experience.
He/she will be tasked with exercising oversight on data processing operations, promoting self-regulation among data controllers, conducting assessment to ascertain they are processed under the provisions of the act, carry out inspections, promoting international cooperation in matters relating to data protection, undertaking research on developments in data processing and much more.
Candidates
The Public Service Commission says it received more than 206 applications. The application process was closed on April 14, 2020.
The Commission then embarked on a shortlisting exercise and rounded up 10 suitable candidates that will be interviewed on July 7, 2020, at Harambee House, Nairobi.
The following candidates will take part in the interview:
- John Welabengo Nyongesa – Bungoma County
- Thomas Oganga – Homa Bay County
- Immaculate Kasait, MBS – Baringo County
- David Gichoya – Kirinyaga County
- Brian Gichana Omwenga – Kisii County
- Anthony Akelo Okuko – Kisumu County
- Kennedy Okong’o (PhD) – Migori County
- Murshid Abdalla Mohamed – Mombasa County
- Mercy Kirui Wanjau – Nyandarua County
- Mwalili Tobias Mbithi – Machakos County
Lastly, the Commission is asking for public input in the form of comments about the shortlisted candidates.
