The National Assembly has okayed the appointment of Immaculate Kassait for the post of Data Commissioner.
The newly created post generally entails looking into data privacy and protection matters in Kenya under the Data Protection Act.
Data Protection Commissioner is an office established by section 5 (i) of the Data Protection Act, 2019. It is designated as a State Office in accordance with Article 260 (q) of the Constitution.
National Assembly’s Communication, Information and Innovation committee approved the nomination of Kassait, who until her appointment, was the IEBC director of voter education.
The Functions of the Office of the Data Commissioner are provided in Section 8(1) of the Data Protection Act and shall include:
- overseeing implementation of and being responsible for enforcement of the Data Protection Act,
- establishing and maintaining a register of data controllers and data processors;
- exercising oversight on data processing operations and verify whether the processing of data is done in accordance with this Act;
- promoting self-regulation among data controllers and data processors;
- conducting assessment for the purpose of ascertaining whether information is processed according to the provisions of the Act or any other relevant law;
- receiving and investigating any complaint by any person on infringements of the rights under the Act;
- taking such measures as may be necessary to bring the provisions of the Act to the knowledge of the general public;
- carrying out inspections of public and private entities with a view to evaluating the processing of personal data;
- promoting international cooperation in matters relating to data protection and ensure country’s compliance on data protection obligations under international conventions and agreements;
- undertaking research on developments ¡n data processing of personal data and ensuring that there is no significant risk or adverse effect of any developments on the privacy of individuals; and
- performing such other functions as may be prescribed by any other law or as necessary for the promotion of object of the Act.
New envoys approved
The Defence committee chaired by Kajiado South Katoo ole Metito also approved the nomination of 14 envoys nominated by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The Committee also approved the nomination of Maj Gen. (Rtd) Samwel Nandwa (Juba), Stella Munyi (Harare) and Daniel Wambura (Bujumbura), John Tipis (Cabberra), Benson Ogutu (Moscow), Immaculate Wambua (Ottawa), Catherine Mwangi (Pretoria, South Africa) and Martin Kimani (United Nations New york).
Others are Ambassador Tom Amollo (Berlin), Tabu Irina (Tokyo), and Lindsay Kiptiness (Bangkok).
Kenyan Business Feed is the top Kenyan Business Blog. We share news from Kenya and across the region. To contact us with any alert, please email us to [email protected]