Mbooni: About 200 residents of Mbooni constituency have been trained on data protection, aimed at raising their awareness on data privacy, security, and compliance with the Data Protection Act. The participants were trained on how to regulate personal data processing, ensuring adherence to the data protection principles, safeguarding individual privacy, and legal mechanisms for data security. Personnel from The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) conducted the exercise at a hotel in Tawa market, Mbooni East Sub County.
According to Kenya News Agency, a press release from the Data Protection Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait, underscored the importance of raising awareness across the country, with a view to empowering Kenyans in protecting their privacy and fostering a culture of compliance with individual rights. It was also revealed that the ODPC has received 7,128 complaints related to data protection violations, whereby 215 have been determined and penalties imposed on 10 entities found to have breached individual data rights.
At the same time, 103 complaints attracted compensation, while 39 others were resolved through alternative dispute resolution. "It is important for individuals to file complaints with us, as it sets the stage for investigations. By so doing, ODPC will ensure your rights are respected, giving you control over your personal information and establishing a framework for accountability and transparency in data processing activities," said Kassait.
She observed that through these efforts, ODPC seeks to empower individuals with knowledge necessary to take control of their personal data. "Today we have had a training where we called people from various groups including the youth, farmers, business community, and government officials among others. We are at a time of information age where people use the internet so much. So, it is important that each person knows how to keep their data secure," said the Kiteta Division Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Rahab Mathu.
During the one-day training, participants were also guided on how to launch complaints whenever faced with issues touching on violation of individual data rights.