Kenya is in the process of developing a comprehensive National Data Governance Policy aimed at positioning data as a strategic asset critical to the country’s socio-economic development.
The policy, currently in draft form, is being crafted by the Ministry of Information Communications and the Digital Economy, in collaboration with the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation through the German Corporation for International Cooperation Digital Transformation Centre.
A recent inception forum for the policy was chaired by Dr. Boniface Makokha, Kenya’s Principal Secretary of Economic Planning. During the event, Makokha emphasized that the new policy would serve as a guiding framework for how Kenya manages and utilizes data, viewing it as a key driver of growth, inclusion, and innovation. He highlighted that data is fundamental to modern planning and decision-making, positioning it as the lifeblood of socio-economic transformation.
John Tanui, the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, also attended the forum and underscored the importance of strong governance in leveraging data for economic growth, attracting investment, and fostering innovation. He stressed that collaboration among government agencies, academia, civil society, and the private sector is essential for the successful implementation of the policy. Tanui described the forum as the start of a journey that would involve all stakeholders actively shaping the future of data governance for both current and future generations.
Kenya’s reputation in data protection is already well established, with the country boasting one of the most advanced data protection environments on the continent, driven by the 2019 Data Protection Act and the oversight of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. The recent launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2030 has further cemented Kenya’s position at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation efforts. Tanui noted that at the heart of these initiatives is the effective management of data, emphasizing the need not only to protect it but also to harness its potential for national development.
