As Kenya marks five years since the enactment of the Data Protection Act (DPA), it’s time to reflect on the successes, challenges, and the future of data protection in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. The recent DPA@5 event highlighted key achievements, lessons learned, and the urgent need for continued action to safeguard privacy rights in the age of digital innovation.
Join us for the inaugural screening of “The Scars Of Discrimination”, a compelling short documentary that delves into the harsh realities of intersectional discrimination in Kenya. This film brings to light the experiences of individuals like Peninah Kilunja, a seamstress in Makueni facing rejection due to albinism, and Mohammed Malicha, a young man from Mathare profiled because of his Muslim identity.
The enactment of Kenya’s Data Protection Act in 2019 marked a significant milestone, establishing a legislative foundation for data privacy and protection in the country. This Act emerged from years of advocacy and reform, reflecting a commitment to aligning with international data governance standards and protecting the right to privacy as technology advances. As Kenya’s digital landscape rapidly expands—spanning sectors like fintech, digital identity, and e-commerce—the need for robust data protection frameworks has become more critical than ever.
In two months, Kenya’s data protection law turns five. Indefatigable advocate and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah’s 2019 petition challenging the constitutionality of the Data Protection Act (DPA) comes for mention next Wednesday. Given the intense competition to grab Kenya’s lucrative data landscape and repeated personal data breaches, is this petition in the national public interest?
The #RejectFinanceBill hashtag was tweeted four million times on X, attracting the attention of people nationally and globally. The hashtag entailed information on citizens’ demands on political accountability, civic education on various governance issues, calls for the release of citizens who have been unlawfully arrested or abducted, and community self-organizing on peaceful protests to take place. Interacting with these social media posts every time someone is on social media has stirred emotions and actions that have portrayed citizens’ awakening on various governance issues. A common phrase in Kenya right now is that every Kenyan has become an activist.
On International Children’s Day, Amnesty International Kenya v will celebrate three years of impact with “RIGHTS Click @3: Reflecting on Three Years of Impact.”
We are celebrating three impactful years of RIGHTS Click, Amnesty International Kenya’s pioneering program dedicated to advancing digital rights for young people. Through this initiative, we have empowered young advocates to navigate and influence the digital landscape, equipping them with the skills to combat challenges like online harassment, digital rights violations, and misinformation. As we mark this milestone, we honor the resilience, achievements, and growth of young people who are shaping a digital space that respects human rights and dignity.
Nairobi, 23 May 2024: Amnesty International Kenya and ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa express deep concern with Clause 63 of the Finance Bill (2024), which seeks to exempt the Kenya Revenue Authority from the provisions of the Data Protection Act. We strongly urge the National Assembly to reject this proposed amendment of the Data Protection Act, informed by the several considerations below.
Human rights are more critical than ever in the digital age. They let people express themselves online, share opinions, create, use, and access technology safely and justly. Technology can be used as an avenue to exercise freedom of expression, hold governments accountable, and expose wrongdoing. However, technology can also pose a systemic threat to human rights by reproducing structural discrimination against marginalised groups in policing, migration, social welfare, and access to health care.
The Kenyan government plans to digitalise civil and person registration, introducing a Unique Personal Identification (UPI) and Digital ID.
This guest blog is written by independent youth activists and is intended to give a platform to the voices of young people.