Kenya Begins Drafting National Data Governance Policy

The government through the Ministry of Information Communications and The Digital Economy has embarked on the drafting of the National Data Governance Policy.

The policy is being developed in partnership with the European Union and the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation of German through German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) Digital Transformation Center.

The Policy draft process was officially launched by the Chief Guest Principal Secretary, Economic Planning Dr.Boniface Makokha who was joined by ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng.John Tanui among other representative from government institutions, development partners, the private sector, academia and civil society.

In his key note address, Dr Makokha noted the Data Governance Policy will shape how Kenya treats data as a foundation of the country’s social-economic transformation in the 21st century by driving growth, inclusion and innovation.

“Data is the lifeblood of modern planning and decision making. In the State Department for Economic Planning, we see this daily in data -driven policies. Unlike other resources that are sector specific, data is cross-cutting. It flows between national and county governments, between Ministry’s and Agencies, and across public and private sector. ”

– Dr. Boniface Makokha, Principal Secretary, Economic Planning, Kenya

In his remarks, Eng Tanui noted that globally, nations that thrive are those that treat data not merely as information, but as a strategic national asset.

“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.”

– Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, ICT and Digital Economy, Kenya 

The PS highlighted that Kenya boasts one of the most mature data protection environments on the continent—anchored by the Data Protection Act (2019) and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).

He further noted that the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030 among other frameworks have positioned Kenya as a pioneer in Africa’s digital transformation and a trusted player in the global data economy.

“At the core of all these initiatives is data. We must not only protect it, but we must also unlock its value. The vast amounts of data we generate, collect, and store must become engines of inclusive growth, innovation, and improved public service delivery. We eagerly anticipate the insightful deliberations that will take place during this forum and in subsequent engagements. As a government, we are keen to receive actionable recommendations that will guide our policy formulation efforts, added Tanui.

– Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, ICT and Digital Economy, Kenya