At least 7,128 complaints of personal data right infringement have been filed at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) since the agency’s operationalization in the year 2020.
Out of this number, the agency has issued determinations on 215 of the cases.
Among these, penalties have been imposed on 10 entities, while 103 compensations have been issued, with 39 other cases having been resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution.
This was revealed by Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait during a national data protection advocacy program held in Kisumu on March 18.
‘It is important for individuals to file complaints with us as it sets stage for investigations,” noted Ms Kassait. By doing so, the 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’-Ms Kassait, Data commissioner
The advocacy was aimed at educating the public about their rights under data protection laws.
Ms Kassait emphasized that reporting cases of data misuse will enable the ODPC to investigate within 90 days, leading to determinations that provide legal recourse, enhance transparency, and promote accountability in safeguarding individuals’ rights and interests.
“It is important for individuals to file complaints with us as it sets stage for investigations,” noted Ms Kassait.
She added; “By doing so, the 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.”
Awareness creation
The ODPC was operationalized in November 2020 following the enactment of Data Protection Act 2019 which came into effect on November 25, 2019.
The public can lodge complaints on infringement online through the ODPC website or in person at ODPC offices in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Machakos, Nyeri and Nakuru.
The Data Commissioner highlighted the importance of raising awareness across the country to empower individuals in protecting their privacy and fostering a culture of compliance with individual rights.
She further urged members of the public to take control of their data and avoid negligence in sharing personal information.
The forum in Kisumu was part of the second phase of the awareness campaign which was taking place in in Kisumu, Samburu, Makueni, Embu, Nyamira, and Ol Kalou towns.
The initiative encourages individuals to understand how to exercise these rights when interacting with and sharing personal information while seeking services from both public and private organizations.
Similar programs have already been conducted in Molo, Kisii, Oloitoktok, and Karatina and is scheduled to be cascaded across the country.
