President William Ruto has said the Government will pursue a data protection regime that serves public interest.
He said this will be achieved by ensuring that there is sufficient information for effective and efficient delivery of services.
However, this will be pursued without compromising private data. “But we must also ensure that criminals do not hide under data protection or exploit it to perpetuate crime,” he said.
The President was speaking on Friday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre during the observation of the International Data Privacy Day.
He also officially launched the Data Protection Registration system. For Kenya to realise the maximum potential of the Digital Superhighway, he explained, we must have a clear data management plan that is promotive of our agenda for the digital economy.
The government, he added, will partner with stakeholders to expand the space for creativity and innovation. “It is our intention to ensure that Kenya reaps its overdue dividends from the heavy investment in ICT infrastructure made over the last two decades.”
The President noted that over the next five years, the Government will construct more than 100,000 kilometres of national fibre-optic network.
This, he added, will help achieve universal broadband connectivity in the country to enhance Government service delivery. “We are developing the Digital Master Plan and establishing a regional hub to promote the large-scale development of software for export.”
He promised to support the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to acquire the requisite capacity to effectively perform its functions.
“Our commitment to competitiveness, innovation, digitisation, automation and the digital economy requires a credible and legitimate facilitator to anchor investor confidence.”
Government secures 3,900 acres for affordable housing
At least 3,900 acres of land has been secured for the construction of affordable houses across the country.
President William Ruto said 39 counties have also agreed to work with the national Government in pursuing the project.
He said a minimum of 200,000 houses will be built every year, translating to at least 1,000,000 houses by 2027.
“It is the responsibility of my Government to create inclusive and affordable housing for all,” he said.
He made the remarks on Friday in Kamukunji during the ground-breaking ceremony for the proposed Shauri Moyo ‘A’ affordable housing project in Nairobi County.
The Shauri Moyo Project will provide 3,248 housing units consisting of one, two and three-bedroom units with selling prices starting at Ksh 1.25 million.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Lands CS Zacharia Mwangi, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, among other leaders, were present.
Mr Gachagua said the affordable houses will restore the dignity of the people.
“It will also create employment and improve the living standards of millions of underprivileged Kenyans,” he explained.
Mr Sakaja called on the Government to intensify the issuance of title deeds to landowners in Nairobi as proof of ownership.
“This will pave way for productive use of land besides minimising disputes.”
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