With Kenya’s growing data protection segment, there’s a new player in town! Kenya’s data protection scene just got a whole lot more interesting with the arrival of Digital Jewels, a global tech company ready to make its mark on the local market.

In an exciting announcement, Ms. Adedoyin Odunfa, the Founder and CEO of Digital Jewels, expressed her enthusiasm for Kenya’s data protection environment. With a presence in 15 countries, Digital Jewels saw an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations and contribute to Africa’s data protection narrative.

“We’re in a fantastic position to implement best practices in data protection, such as the ISO 27701 standards, which are specifically designed to enhance the security of data held within our institutions,” Ms. Odunfa explained, brimming with confidence.

While there isn’t a specific deadline for Kenyan organizations to register with the Data Protection Commission, Ms. Odunfa stressed the importance of keeping pace with other East African countries, like Rwanda, to achieve high compliance rates. After all, who wants to be the tortoise when you can be the hare?

For Digital Jewels, entering the Kenyan market marks a crucial moment in the journey toward compliance with national, regional, and global data protection laws. These laws emphasize the control of data flows, which in turn facilitate international trade—an essential consideration in light of Kenya’s ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

To make a splash in Kenya, Digital Jewels has teamed up with Serianu, a trailblazing cybersecurity and data protection consultancy firm. Together, they will provide a powerful combination of services that perfectly complement one another.

William Makatiani, the CEO of Serianu, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We anticipate that our collaboration with Digital Jewels will deliver a robust approach to data protection, covering processes, governance frameworks, and cutting-edge technology.”

As organizations increasingly embrace technology, data protection has become a pressing concern. Mr. Makatiani acknowledged the progress made in raising awareness about data protection in Kenya but emphasized the need to translate that awareness into concrete action. It’s time to implement the necessary technology, policies, and processes to safeguard our valuable data.

Joining the chorus, Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait affirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting and enhancing self-regulation. The Commission plans to introduce an accreditation program for third-party organizations involved in auditing and enforcing compliance with the Data Act. Ms. Kassait believes that self-regulation is the foundation for comprehensive data protection, starting with strong governance at the institutional level.

To facilitate this process, the Data Protection Commissioner’s office has developed guidelines for various sectors, including fintech and healthcare. These guidelines will soon undergo public participation, ensuring a collaborative effort in shaping data protection practices.