Kenya takes step toward National Data Governance Policy
Date: 2025-09-11
The State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy has taken a decisive step toward establishing a comprehensive framework for data management with the hosting of the National Data Governance Policy Inception Forum. The event, which brought together key government officials, development partners, and private sector leaders, aimed at initiating the development of a policy that will position data as a strategic national asset for socio-economic transformation.
The forum was graced by Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface B. Makokha of the State Department for Economic Planning as Chief Guest, alongside Amb. Isaac John Ochieng, Director General of eCitizen Services, representing Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang. Also in attendance were Ms. Friederike Hemker, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, and representatives from the European Union Delegation to Kenya, GIZ Kenya, and multiple government agencies.
In his remarks,
John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy,
emphasized that data serves as the lifeblood of 21st-century decision-making
and is essential to powering Kenya’s digital economy, attracting investment,
and driving innovation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a
clear and effective data governance framework that enhances trust, privacy, and
security while enabling data-driven planning and service delivery across all
sectors.
The event marks the beginning of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder process to co-create a National Data Governance Policy that will position Kenya as a continental leader in responsible and innovative data use. The policy is expected to provide a foundation for sustainable digital growth and improved public service delivery for current and future generations.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
