The government is drafting a law that seeks to protect consumer’s data handled by various companies operating in Kenya.
ICT Principal Secretary Jerome Ochieng says the Data Protection and Privacy Bill will ensure integrity of user information is not exploited for malicious purposes by the companies or third parties. The bill is currently undergoing stakeholder input.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act enacted in May already has provisions guarding against among others unauthorized access, interference and cyber espionage.
The law has fines of up to KES 20 million or a 10 year jail term in efforts to dissuade cybercriminal activities.
In the wake of data breach affecting some of the world largest tech firms, such as Facebook which suffered a data breach from Cambridge Analytica where 87 million users personal information were harvested for malicious political purposes, the ICT PS says Data Protection and Privacy Bill will hold companies handling data responsible in case of infiltration.
At the African Cyber Defence Summit it emerged that fighting cybercrime needs collaborative approach as increasing online threats have become a concern for both governments and private sector.
The Serianu Cyber-Security Report indicates that Africa lost at KES 200B in cyber related attacks in 2016 as secrecy in the event of attacks and budget constraints play a major role.
http://www.kbc.co.ke/govt-to-draft-law-to-protect-consumers-data/
PRIVACY & SURVEILLANCE IN AFRICA 