NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 26 – The Public Service Commission (PSC) has started the search for a new Data Protection Commissioner as the term of the inaugural office holder, Immaculate Kassait, comes to an end.
Kassait is expected to leave office later this year after serving a non-renewable six-year term as head of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).
The incoming commissioner will be responsible for regulating the processing of personal data, protecting individuals’ privacy and enforcing the Data Protection Act.
The PSC said applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in data science, law, information technology or a related field, as well as a master’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant work experience.
Kassait became Kenya’s first Data Protection Commissioner after the establishment of the ODPC and has overseen the implementation and enforcement of the Data Protection Act, which sets rules for how organisations collect, process and protect personal information.
Before joining the ODPC, Kassait worked at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), where she held various positions, including Director of Voter Education and Partnerships.
She previously worked at the Institute for Education in Democracy and the Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya (FIDA-Kenya).
The appointment of her successor will come as Kenya continues to strengthen regulation around personal data amid increased use of digital services by businesses, government agencies and individuals.
