Kenya Nominates Lydia Chelagat as Data Commissioner

In Short: Kenya Data Commissioner Nomination

President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Kenya’s next Data Commissioner. The nomination has been sent to the National Assembly for consideration under the Data Protection Act, Cap 411C.

What Happened: How Kenya’s Data Commissioner Appointment Moves Forward

The nomination sets in motion the final stage of the appointment process for Kenya’s data protection regulator, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, also referred to as the ODPC.

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o announced the nomination. He said the President acted on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in exercising his constitutional prerogative as Head of State.

The ODPC is preparing for a leadership transition following Immaculate Kassait’s six-year tenure as Data Commissioner.

Chelagat is currently Director of Legal Services at the Communications Authority of Kenya.

Why It Matters: What ODPC Leadership Means For Data Protection

The PSC recruitment process attracted 152 applications, according to recruitment details previously reported by TechTrendsKE. The PSC shortlisted 13 candidates and scheduled interviews for October 5 as Kenya prepared to replace Kassait.

As Kassait exits, the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has credited her with establishing and strengthening the institution during her tenure.

Speaking at Kassait’s farewell dinner on November 5, CAJ Vice-Chairperson and Access to Information Commissioner Dorothy Jemator said Kassait leaves behind an institution with “a distinct identity”, “an expanding body of jurisprudence and regulatory guidance”, and “a strong foundation for future leadership”.

During Kassait’s tenure, the ODPC developed its role in overseeing how public institutions and private organisations collect, process, store and share personal information.