Molo Sub-county Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Jackson Ole Chuta, has warned administrators and local residents against misuse of personal data, stating they will face legal consequences.
Speaking during a Data Protection Advocacy sensitisation programme held at a Molo hotel, Ole Chuta underscored the growing concerns over data misuse and the need for heightened awareness, especially on the provisions of the Data Protection Act, 2019.
“Many people unknowingly give away their personal information without understanding its implications. It is crucial to know who is collecting your data, why they need it, and how it will be used,” he stated.
The DCC further warned that wrongful intentions behind data collection could lead to serious consequences, including fraud and identity theft.
“Data security is not just a government responsibility; it is a shared duty. Thus, everyone must be conscious of how they handle their personal details and demand accountability from those who collect it,” he emphasized.
He urged residents to be cautious and report any suspicious data collection activities to the relevant authorities.
Moreover, the Data Protection Act 2019 tasks organisations to obtain consent from individuals before collecting, using or processing their personal information.
It also enlightens Kenyans on their rights as data subjects, such as having access to information, being informed, restricting the processing of information, data portability, and erasure of data, among other rights.
Additionally, handling of children’s data is also well articulated in this.
Among those who attended the forum were local administrators, national and county government heads of department, youth and women leaders, and village elders who were guided on recognising and reporting data breaches, legal recourse when personal data rights are violated and the need to take responsibility for their own data.
The advocacy programme will extend to other counties in the coming months, with the goal of fostering a culture of responsible data management across Kenya.
Meanwhile, residents seeking more information or wishing to report data breaches have been encouraged to reach out to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) through its official communication channels.
By Emily Kadzo and Elvin Abere
