ODPC urges public to report personal data misuse cases to protect their rights
As of this month, the Office had received 7,128 complaints and issued determinations on 215 cases
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has called on members of public to exercise their rights as outlined in data protection laws to guard against misuse by organisations.
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait emphasised that reporting cases of data misuse will enable the ODPC to investigate within 90 days, leading to determinations that provide legal recourse, enhance transparency, and promote accountability in safeguarding individuals’ rights and interests.
Complaints can be lodged online through the ODPC website or in person at ODPC offices in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Machakos, Nyeri and Nakuru.
Kassait made remarks in Busia during a national data protection advocacy programme aimed at educating the public about their rights under data protection laws.
The initiative encourages individuals to understand how to exercise these rights when interacting with and sharing personal information while seeking services from both public and private organizations.
Kassait highlighted the importance of raising awareness across the country to empower individuals in protecting their privacy and fostering a culture of compliance with individual rights.
“It is important for individuals to file complaints with us as it sets stage for investigations. By doing so, the ODPC will ensure that your rights are respected, giving you control over your personal information and establishing a framework for accountability and transparency in data processing activities,” she stated.
She further urged members of the public to take control of their data and avoid negligence in sharing personal information.
As of this month, the Office had received 7,128 complaints and issued determinations on 215 cases. Among these, penalties have been imposed on 10 entities, while 103 compensations have been issued. Thirty nine other cases have been resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The second phase of the awareness campaign is being held in Kisumu, Samburu, Makueni, Embu, Nyamira and Ol Kalou towns.
Similar programmes have already been conducted in Molo, Kisii, Oloitoktok, and Karatina and are scheduled to be cascaded across the country.
Through these efforts, the ODPC seeks to empower individuals with the knowledge necessary to take control of their personal data.
