Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for the robust enforcement of laws that protect personal data and information privacy.
She said data protection lies not just in compliance with laws, but in upholding the trust and confidence that citizens place in public institutions.
"Privacy is a fundamental human right which we have enshrined in our constitution and also in international human rights instruments. It is the cornerstone of individual autonomy and dignity," she said.
She added that privacy is essential for fostering trust in the current digital ecosystem.
Koome spoke on Tuesday at the start of the two-day conference of the Network of Data Protection Authorities in Africa.
Additionally, the Chief Justice said public agencies must collaborate and develop unified data points that can be shared across sectors.
She noted that through working together and sharing data, the judiciary has been accorded the opportunity to streamline data sharing across the justice chain.
This is by fostering inter-agency collaboration.
She noted that the role of the custodians and regulators of citizens' data includes ensuring that data collection adheres to stringent data privacy principles.
Koome pointed out that public agencies must collaborate and develop unified data points that can be shared across sectors.
"We are now able to eliminate the need for redundant data collection and minimise the risk of intrusive interventions," she stated.
Koome said the approach will also enhance transparency, reduce administrative burdens and foster more efficient delivery of justice.
"By working together, African nations can create a data ecosystem that serves the public interest while protecting the fundamental right to privacy. We can become leaders in data protection, setting standards that the world will look to for guidance," she emphasised.
She stated that courts are developing jurisprudence interpreting the legal commitments to the protection of data privacy
Koome was accompanied by ICT and Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo, ICT PS, Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait and German Ambassador Sebastian Groth.
