By Nyang’au Araka
Kenyans have been asked to exercise their rights as outlined in the data protection laws and deter misuse by organizations.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) said that it is committed to receive complaints and conclusively investigate them.
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“This will lead to determinations that provide legal recourse, transparency, and promote accountability in safeguarding individuals’ rights and interests,” Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait said.
Kassait said complaints can be lodged online through the ODPC website or in person at the commission’s offices found in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Machakos, Nyeri and Nakuru towns.
The commissioner spoke during a national data protection advocacy programme aimed at educating the public about their rights under data protection laws.
The initiative also encourages Kenyans to understand how to exercise their rights when interacting with and sharing personal information while seeking services from both private and public organizations.
Kassait said raising awareness would empower Kenyans to protect their privacy and foster a culture of compliance with individual rights.
“It’s important for individuals to file complaints with us as it sets the stage for investigations,” the commissioner said.
“By doing so, ODPC will ensure that your rights are respected, giving you control over your personal information and establishing a framework for accountability and transparency in data processing activities.”
She urged Kenyans to take control of their data and avoid negligence in sharing personal information that may be used in harmful ways.
The ODPC had received over 7,128 complaints and issued determinations on 215 cases as of this month.
“Among these, penalties have been imposed on ten entities while 103 compensations have been issued.
39 other cases have been resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution,” a statement by the ODPC said.
The commission is currently conducting the awareness campaign in Kisumu, Makueni, Embu, Nyamira and Ol Kalou towns.
Similar programmes have also been done in Molo, Kisii, Oloitoktok and Karatina.
More activities are on the pipeline to benefit other counties that have not been covered.
