Kenya data commissioner recruitment is on course in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act, 2019.
The Public Service Commission has published the names of ten candidates scheduled to have interviews on July 2, 2020. The ten are; John Walubengo, Thomas Odhiambo, Immaculate Kassait, David Gichoya, Brian Gichana, Anthony Okulo, Kennedy Okong’o, Marshid Mohamed, Mercy Wanjau, and Tobias Mbithi.
The Data commissioner will be tasked with;
- 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 the Data Protection Act
- Promoting self-regulation among data controllers and data processors
- conducting assessment for the purpose of ascertaining whether the 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 the country’s compliance on data protection obligations under international conventions and agreements
- Undertaking research on developments in data processing of personal data and ensuring that there is no significant risk or adverse effect of any developments on the privacy of individuals
- Performing such other functions as may be prescribed by any other law or as necessary for the promotion of object of the Act
The Data Protection Act of Kenya came into effect on 25 November 2019 and seeks to align data protection with internationally accepted data protection principles and standards. Therefore, it regulates the collection, processing, and related actions in the handling, use, and storage of personal data. In addition, it applies to resident and non-resident data controllers processing personal data where data subjects are located in Kenya.
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