Ndiye Huyu:Ruto Nominates Lydia Sitenei as Kenya’s Second Data Protection Commissioner

President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat, the Communications Authority of Kenya’s Director of Legal Services and Corporation Secretary, for appointment as the country’s second Data Commissioner.

The nomination was announced on Monday, November 9, by Government Spokesperson Charles Owino, who said the President acted on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission.

Chelagat’s name has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration under the Data Protection Act. She will assume the position if Parliament approves her nomination.

She is expected to succeed Immaculate Kassait, Kenya’s first Data Commissioner, whose six-year, non-renewable term is ending. Kassait was appointed in November 2020 and oversaw the establishment of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

The recruitment attracted 152 applications, with 13 candidates shortlisted for interviews by the Public Service Commission in October. Chelagat was among those interviewed.

Before her nomination, she served as Director of Legal Services and Corporation Secretary at the Communications Authority, joining the institution in December 2023. She has more than 15 years of experience in law and corporate governance.

Her previous roles include General Manager of Legal Services and Company Secretary at the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company, and Group Company Secretary and Head of Legal Services at CPF Financial Services.

Chelagat holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Buckingham abroad and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from Strathmore University Business School.

The Data Commissioner heads the ODPC, which safeguards personal information and oversees compliance with Kenya’s data protection laws. The office investigates complaints, monitors organisations handling personal data and takes action against violations.

https://www.facebook.com/100064288795404/posts/pfbid0PS1prZDoLfEcW24mN51w41YU25ZnbzaaTS4gyYKmkFLGKt8981voucCeThShnFLrl/?mibextid=CDWPTG

Nellyjoan feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com