The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and Katiba Institute will conduct training on data protection for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kenya to build their capacity in compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, and its regulations. 

Background and Context

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards data protection regulations globally, with Kenya enacting the Data Protection Act, 2019 to safeguard individuals’ data. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kenya are also required to comply with these data protection laws to ensure their lawful handling of the personal data of their stakeholders including staff, volunteers, donors, suppliers, beneficiaries, partners and service providers. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to penalties and sanctions, highlighting the critical need for capacity building to support Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in navigating the complexities of compliance with privacy and data protection laws.

KICTANet and Katiba Institute have recognized the importance of equipping Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with the necessary knowledge and skills to comply with the Data Protection Act, 2019 and related policy and legal frameworks. KICTANet, with its expertise in digital resilience and technology support, and Katiba Institute, focusing on strategic litigation, are well-positioned to collaborate in developing a comprehensive training program tailored for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kenya. The aim is to empower Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to understand, implement, and adhere to the provisions of the Data Protection Act while ensuring they handle personal data lawfully and ethically.

Objectives

• Raise Awareness: Increase awareness among Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kenya about the importance of data protection and the legal obligations under the Data Protection Act.
• Build Capacity: Provide Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively handle personal data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
• Facilitate Compliance: Assist Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in understanding and implementing the key provisions of the Data Protection Act, including data collection, storage, sharing, and security measures.
• Empower Civil Society Organisations (CSOs): Empower Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to establish robust data protection policies, procedures, and practices to safeguard personal data and enhance trust with stakeholders.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of data protection laws among Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
• Improved data handling practices and compliance with the Data Protection Act.
• Strengthened data protection policies and procedures within Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
• Increased trust and credibility of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) through ethical data management practices.

You can read more about the proposed activities and access the training agenda via the following link

The Kenya School of Internet Governance classes employ a mix of lectures and interactive activities where participants gain perspectives from champions, practitioners, and leaders in Internet governance. During the 3-day industry event, industry experts will take the participants through key internet governance issues including:

1. Effective digital rights advocacy
2. Evolution of Internet – Internet Infrastructure development
3. Citizen’s contribution towards an effective digital Government
4. National and Transnational organisations’ role in Governing the internet: Understanding Internet regulation
5. Private sector – Passive observer or active contributor – Understanding the role of Private Sector in Internet Governance
6. OGBV
7. Key global Internet Governance Issue – Data Protection and privacy

Participants will also get the chance to hear from KeSIG alumni about the impact of KeSIG on their professional and personal development. Finally, plenary sessions will allow the participants to engage with the KeSIG faculty, alumni, and industry experts about key internet governance topics affecting the Kenyan and global internet ecosystem. Click here to learn more about the event and read the full program

KICTANet in partnership with the Association of Progressive Communications (APC) is pleased to host an in-person, half-day thought leadership roundtable on Women’s Inclusion for a Multi-stakeholder Digital Future. In line with the 2024 global IGF and KeIGF theme of Building Our Multi-Stakeholder Digital Future, the objective of this stakeholder roundtable is to popularise the feminist principles of the internet to promote women’s meaningful participation in internet governance. Click here to access the program and read more about the objectives plus expected outcomes for the event.

KICTANet in partnership with the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation (SAIDC) is pleased to host a thought leadership roundtable Policy Dialogue on Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Kenya. The objective of the roundtable is to provide a platform for key stakeholders to dialogue, engage, share best practices, and advice, and make recommendations on cybersecurity and data protection. It shall also be an opportunity to strengthen networks among stakeholders to facilitate future collaboration and knowledge sharing as well as identify areas for future research and investment in cybersecurity and data protection initiatives.

Click here to access the program and read more about the objectives and expected outcomes of the discussion.

KICTANet is happy to announce that the 2024 Kenya IGF will be happening on Thursday, Aug 1 2024, in Nairobi Kenya.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is an open and inclusive multi-stakeholder forum where public policy issues related to key elements of Internet governance, such as the Internet’s sustainability, robustness, security, stability, and development. The United Nations Secretary-General formally announced the establishment of the IGF in July 2006 and the first meeting was convened in October 2006. The purpose of the IGF is to maximize the opportunity for open and inclusive dialogue and the exchange of ideas on Internet Governance (IG) related issues; create opportunities to share best practices and experiences; identify emerging issues and bring them to the attention of the relevant bodies and the general public; and contribute to capacity building for Internet governance.

The event brings together stakeholders representing government, the private sector, civil society, the technical and academic community, media, and the public in an informal setting for policy dialogue on Internet governance issues on an equal basis through an open and inclusive process. This type of cooperative engagement is usually called the multistakeholder model of Internet Governance, which is one of the key features of the Internet’s success. This model is paramount to ensure that the Internet remains sustainable for economic and social development.

This year’s IGF is centred along the overarching theme of Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future and the following 4 main themes:

1. Harnessing Innovation and Balancing Risks in the Digital Space;
2. Enhancing the Digital Contribution to Peace, Development and Sustainability
3. Advancing Human Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age
4. Improving Digital Governance for the Internet We Want. 

Stakeholders can click here to read more about the current and previous IGFs, access the IGF 2024 program, as well as register to attend the event physically or virtually.