Data protection office rolls out sector-wide compliance inspections

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait (centre), Deputy for Complaints and Investigations Oscar Otieno and Deputy for Corporate Services Festus Musywoki during a meeting in Nairobi. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner will begin nationwide inspections targeting the education, hospitality and property management sectors to enforce compliance with data protection laws.

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, in a statement on Tuesday, June 3, said the inspections aim to assess how organisations manage personal data and provide guidance on legal obligations.

"It is about more than just legal compliance; it reflects a collective commitment to upholding the fundamental right to privacy," Kassait explained.

She noted the inspections are not punitive but a collaborative effort to improve data protection practices and build trust.

Kassait observed that data breaches can cause severe financial losses, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

"By prioritising data protection, businesses ensure continuity and stability and build customer loyalty," she said.

The inspections respond to rising complaints and challenges in the targeted sectors as customers grow more aware of their rights and expect organisations to secure their data.

The Office began operations in 2019 and now has offices in seven regions, including Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, to increase accessibility.