President William Ruto has said the government will pursue a data protection regime that serves the interests of the public.
Ruto said this will be achieved by ensuring that there is sufficient information for the effective and efficient delivery of services.
The head of state spoke on Friday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre during the observation of International Data Privacy Day.
He said that this will be pursued without compromising private data.
“But we must also ensure that criminals do not hide under data protection or exploit it to perpetuate crime,” he said.
Ruto also officially launched the Data Protection Registration system.
He said that for Kenya to realise the maximum potential of the Digital Superhighway, " we must have a clear data management plan that is promotive of our agenda for the digital economy."
Ruto said the government will partner with stakeholders to expand the space for creativity and innovation.
“We intend to ensure that Kenya reaps its overdue dividends from the heavy investment in ICT infrastructure made over the last two decades, "he said.
Ruto said the government plans to construct more than 100,000 kilometres of national fibre-optic network over the next five years.
He said this will help achieve universal broadband connectivity in the country to enhance Government service delivery.
“We are developing the Digital Master Plan and establishing a regional hub to promote the large-scale development of software for export,” Ruto said.
He promised to support the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to acquire the requisite capacity to effectively perform its functions.
“Our commitment to competitiveness, innovation, digitisation, automation and the digital economy requires a credible and legitimate facilitator to anchor investor confidence,” Ruto said.
