Kenya Launches National Data Governance Policy Drafting

Kenya has officially begun drafting its first National Data Governance Policy, a bold step toward treating data as a true national asset. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in partnership with the European Union and Germany’s GIZ Digital Transformation Center, the initiative brings together government institutions, development partners, academia, civil society and the private sector.

The policy aims to define how data will power Kenya’s socio-economic transformation driving growth, inclusion and innovation across every sector. Unlike traditional resources, data is borderless and cross-cutting: it flows between ministries, counties, businesses, and communities. With the right governance, it can fuel smarter planning, unlock investment and transform public service delivery.

Kenya already boasts one of the continent’s most advanced data protection landscapes, anchored by the Data Protection Act (2019) and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, the national data protection authority. Complementary initiatives, including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, position the country as a digital pioneer and trusted player in the global data economy.

But policy alone is not enough. Unlocking the full value of data requires trust, privacy, and security on one hand, and innovation, interoperability and collaboration on the other. That’s why the launch of the National Data Governance Policy Inception Forum marks a turning point.

Why the data governance policy matters

• Data is the lifeblood of 21st-century decision-making.

• Strong governance will fuel Kenya’s digital economy, investment attraction, and innovation capacity.

• Collaboration across government, academia, civil society, and the private sector is vital to success.

The road ahead

• Build trust by strengthening privacy and security.

• Enable data-driven planning and service delivery across all sectors.

• Position Kenya as a continental leader in responsible data governance.

The ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary, Eng. John Tanui, emphasized: “This is more than just drafting a policy—it is the start of a co-creation journey, where stakeholders across society will shape how Kenya harnesses data not only for today’s opportunities but also for future generations.”