10 individuals have been nominated for the position of Data Commissioner Office that was recently created. The job for grabs takes effect in July 2020.
These Individuals were picked from 206 applicants according to the Public Service Commission, after the application window closed on 14th April 2020. The commission then shortlisted 10 individuals from the list from which one successful individual will occupy the office of Data Commission begin July 2020.
According to a list shared exclusively with ShopaXo, these individuals will take part in the interview.
- John Welabengo Nyongesa – Bungoma County
- Thomas Oganga – Homa Bay County
- Immaculate Kasait, MBS – Baringo County
- David Gichoya – Kirinyaga County
- Brian Gichana Omwenga – Kisii County
- Anthony Akelo Okuko – Kisumu County
- Kennedy Okong’o (PhD) – Migori County
- Murshid Abdalla Mohamed – Mombasa County
- Mercy Kirui Wanjau – Nyandarua County
- Mwalili Tobias Mbithi – Machakos County
The Data Protection Law of 2019
The Data Protection Bill 2019 became law in November 2019. Among the things the law seeks to address is protecting users from online abuse or ensuring people have freedom from their online activities.
The bill, which was signed by the president back in 2018, saw major digital players oppose it as they saw it infringing on their freedoms online.
The law highlights the role of data controllers and processors and the role of the Data Protection Commission.
It is only recently the ICT Cabinet Secretary said that it now time for Kenya to have a Data Protection officer even as more and more Kenyans go online for business, education, or entertainment.
The successful appointee will be responsible for oversight on data processing operations, promoting self-regulation among data controllers, conducting an assessment to ascertain they are processed under the provisions of the act, carry out inspections, promoting international cooperation in matters relating to data protection, and undertaking research on developments in data processing.
Applicants were required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, IT, Data Science, or any other relevant filed and a master’s degree. Moreover, 10years of experience was required in the same field.
Meanwhile, the commission has asked members of the public to give information on the conduct of the shortlisted individuals.
