The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC)
in Kenya has welcomed a team from the Ministry of Information, Communications,
and the Digital Economy, along with representatives from the Common Market for
Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), for a pivotal meeting focused on a
pre-market analysis of a project aimed at creating an Africa Cloud Ecosystem.
The initiative, set to be implemented by COMESA with the support of the African
Development Bank, represents a significant step towards enhancing digital
infrastructure across the continent.
During the meeting, Data Commissioner Immaculate
Kassait stressed the strategic importance of this initiative as a key solution
for fostering a unified, digital, and borderless Africa. She outlined the
potential for the cloud ecosystem to assist member states that currently
struggle with inadequate ICT infrastructure, offering them essential cloud
services that can drive economic growth and innovation.
The Commissioner also pointed out that the Kenyan Data
Protection Law includes provisions for cross-border data transfer, creating a
supportive framework for the implementation of the Africa Cloud Ecosystem. This
legal backing, she revealed is crucial for ensuring that personal data
protection measures are upheld, safeguarding the rights of individuals while
facilitating seamless data movement across borders.
By:
Kanto Okanta