Data Commissioner cautions against sharing data ignorantly

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait addressing journalists at Ligisa Mixed Secondary School in Homa Bay County during the launch of data protection campaign.  Kenyans have been told to be wary of giving their data as a measure for preventing theft of money and personal information which result from hacking. [James Omoro, Standard]

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait has cautioned Kenyans to be wary of sharing their data ignorantly.

Speaking at Ligisa Secondary School in Rangwe Sub-county where she launched sensitization of Homa Bay County residents on the significance of data protection, Kassait said Kenyans should be wary of sharing their data.

The campaign was dubbed Data yako jukumu lako (your data your responsibility).

The Data Commissioner, who was accompanied by Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo said people should be careful when sharing their data.

“When someone asks you for your data, interrogate them and know the reason for requiring the data. Decide to give the data only when you are convinced that the data are going to be used for the right purpose,” Kassait said.

According to Kassait, misuse of someone’s data can lead to serious legal action.

“Let Kenyans know that there are legal consequences of misusing other people’s data,” she added.

Kassait told Kenyans who are aggrieved by misuse of their data to report the cases to the office of Data Protection Commissioner so that investigations are done for punitive legal action to be taken.

“Let anybody whose data is misused report to us so that we can take the appropriate legal action.  Do not keep quiet when someone infringes your rights through misuse of your data,” Kassait said.

Dr Osogo lauded the campaign saying it will enable many Kenyans to know their right on data protection.

“This campaign we are launching is very good because many Kenyans are unaware of their rights to data protection,” Dr Osogo said.