Namibia’s Minister for ICT, Dr Peya Mushelenga held discussions with the Chief Administrative Secretary for ICT, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Ms Maureen Mbaka and the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Esther Koimett, on issues related to technology.
Dr Mushelenga who is on an official visit to Kenya on the invitation of Africa Digital Finance Summit had paid a courtesy call at Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs offices at Teleposta Towers where they discussed issues ranging from data protection, cyber security and media freedom.
During the bilateral meeting, Ms Mbaka thanked Dr Mushelenga for accepting the Ministry’s invitation, adding that Kenya’s Data Protection Commissioner’s role is to ensure that those mandated to keep personal data to comply with the provision of the Act.
She said the personnel storing data are prohibited from transferring personal data to other parties unless they are given prior consent of the data subject.
The CAS said, “Agencies that infringe the provision of the Data Protection Act in the country are fined up to Sh5 million.”
The Communication Act of 1998 also prohibits various actions that threatens cyber security and attracts criminal penalties.
On media freedom of expression, PS Koimett said it is enshrined in Article 33 of Kenya’s Constitution of 2010, and gives fundamental provision that communication and expression will be through various media platforms which include print, electronic media and the internet.
She also noted that Article 31 provides for the Rights to Privacy, however, the rights do not extend to propaganda, hate speech or incitement to violence.
Minister Peya acknowledged Kenya’s advancement in technology, especially in the three key areas of data protection, cyber security, and media freedom.
“The role of media in any country is to inform, educate and entertain its citizens. Namibia is still working to achieve more on the media freedom deal through Parliament to enact it into law,” said Dr Peya.
In his remarks, the ICT Director, Mr Hesbon Malwoyi, said that the security hubs aims at taming internet attacks such as electronic money transfer, fraud, credit card, and cyber-terrorism.
Kenya has other bodies that work hand in hand with the government to bring sanity to media, these includes the Media Owner’s Association and the Media Council of Kenya.
By Widen Ratemo
