Kenya’s Data Protection Authority advocates harmonised frameworks at regional trade conference
Date: 2026-04-09
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Office
of the Data Protection Commissioner has called for stronger alignment of data
protection frameworks to support seamless digital trade across Africa during
the Regional Single Window Conference held in Nairobi.
The
authority was represented by Senior Deputy Data Commissioner Oscar Otieno, who
joined regional stakeholders in discussions on advancing digital trade and
integration.
Participants
highlighted that while physical goods are increasingly moving efficiently
across borders, data flows continue to face constraints due to varying data
protection regulations, cross-border transfer requirements, and limited mutual
recognition of compliance standards.
The
ODPC emphasized the need to enable lawful cross-border data transfers, promote
harmonised regulatory frameworks, and integrate privacy-by-design principles
into digital trade systems.
Officials
noted that as trade becomes more data-driven, addressing regulatory
fragmentation will be critical to unlocking the full potential of digital
economies and strengthening regional integration efforts across the continent.
