Kenya’s push toward a secure, innovation-driven digital economy took centre stage at the annual Data Privacy Conference, hosted by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), which brought together regulators, policymakers and industry leaders to define the country’s approach to trust, accountability and responsible data use.
Held under the theme “Trust the Data, Drive the Future,” the high-level forum focused on the practical realities of implementing the Data Protection Act (2019) in an era of rapid digitisation and expanding artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. Key conversations examined lawful bases for processing personal data, institutional accountability, and the governance frameworks required to sustain public confidence as data-driven technologies scale across sectors.
A major highlight of the conference was Safaricom’s participation, underscoring the private sector’s growing role in shaping Kenya’s data protection landscape. The telecommunications giant was represented by Sharon Holi, Head of Customer Privacy, and David Nyamai Kasuki, Head of Business Intelligence and Data Governance. Kasuki featured prominently on a panel discussion exploring lawful data processing for AI and modern data governance.
Drawing from Safaricom’s experience operating AI-enabled systems at national scale, the panel unpacked how decisions around consent, contractual necessity, legal obligation and legitimate interests directly affect millions of daily digital interactions. Speakers emphasised that as AI becomes embedded in services ranging from finance to telecommunications, lawful processing must be deliberate, transparent and accountable.
Participants agreed that robust governance structures are no longer optional. As Kenya positions itself as a regional digital hub, maintaining public trust will depend on embedding privacy and accountability into systems by design, not as an afterthought.
Safaricom’s engagement at the conference reflected its ongoing commitment to advancing responsible data practices and influencing policy discourse. By aligning innovation with the law, disciplined governance and citizen trust, the company continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring Kenya’s digital future is both competitive and rights-respecting.
As the conversations at the Data Privacy Conference made clear, the future of Kenya’s digital economy will not be driven by data alone — but by how much the public can trust those who use it.