Kenya has been voted to host the next Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) General Assembly scheduled for 2024. The vote took place during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Burkina Faso on 11th May 2023. This is the first time Kenya will host this event.
The purpose of NADPA is to promote a Pan-African dialogue within the data protection community. The organization is currently made up of a number of key African privacy and data protection authorities.
In brief, the organization aims to have a single voice for Africa when dealing with its partners from across the globe.
Kenya Data Commissioner is 1st Vice Chair
In addition to the General Assembly news, there was more good news. Kenya, led by Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait MBS, was voted to the position of 1st vice chair to the board of the NADPA.
Niger Data Protection Authority led by Madam Samody Tchimouden Hadatam, was elected Chair. On the other hand, Angola led by Maria Das Dores Pinto will serve as the 2nd Vicechair.
The newly elected board will serve for a period of 3 years.
Coming only two years after the Office of The Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) was operationalized this is a milestone for the country.
Furthermore, this comes at a time when the ODPC has developed guidelines on cross-border data transfer which are aimed at guiding international transfers. NADPA cooperation will help strengthen Kenya’s resolve as it seeks to take on global tech corporations.