The Government of Kenya has officially launched the process of drafting its first National Data Governance Policy, a milestone initiative led by the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy in collaboration with international partners.
The policy, which will guide how Kenya treats and leverages data as a strategic national asset, is being developed with the support of the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through the GIZ Digital Transformation Center.
The official launch was presided over by Dr. Boniface Makokha, Principal Secretary, State Department for Economic Planning, alongside Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, ICT and Digital Economy. The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society, and development partners.
Data as the Foundation of Socio-Economic Transformation
In his keynote address, Dr. Makokha emphasized that the forthcoming policy will provide a framework for harnessing data as a driver of Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.
“Data is the lifeblood of modern planning and decision-making. Unlike other resources that are sector specific, data is cross-cutting. It flows between national and county governments, between ministries and agencies, and across public and private sectors,” Dr. Makokha noted.
Positioning Data as a Strategic Asset
Eng. Tanui echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of treating data as more than just information.
“Data is the new oil—it fuels innovation, drives economies, enhances governance, and touches every aspect of our lives—from how farmers plant crops to how governments deliver services,” said Eng. Tanui.
Kenya, he added, already boasts one of Africa’s most mature data protection environments, anchored in the Data Protection Act (2019) and overseen by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). Furthermore, the recently launched National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030 underscores Kenya’s ambition to position itself as a continental leader in digital transformation and a trusted player in the global data economy.
Unlocking the Value of Data
While stressing the need to safeguard personal data, Eng. Tanui highlighted that the next phase lies in unlocking the value of data.
“The vast amounts of data we generate, collect, and store must become engines of inclusive growth, innovation, and improved public service delivery,” he said.
The government expressed optimism that the ongoing consultations and policy dialogues will generate actionable recommendations to inform the final policy framework.
Why This Matters
The National Data Governance Policy is expected to:
- Establish a clear framework for responsible data use across sectors.
- Strengthen Kenya’s position in the global data economy.
- Promote data-driven innovation while safeguarding privacy and security.
- Enhance coordination between government, private sector, and civil society in leveraging data for development.
This initiative comes at a time when African nations are increasingly recognizing the strategic value of data in shaping digital economies, governance, and inclusive growth.