Kenya’s Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), in partnership with Huawei Kenya and the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, trained 200 young people in Wajir County on data privacy and online safety during activities to mark Safer Internet Day.
The four-day programme, held from Feb. 9–12, targeted students including first-time internet users, equipping them with practical skills to safeguard personal data, identify online risks and participate responsibly in the digital space. The initiative aligned with this year’s theme, “Together for a Better Internet.”
Organisers said the training placed special emphasis on girls and young women, who face greater barriers to digital access and skills. National statistics show that 35% of women in Kenya use mobile internet compared with 50% of men. For every 100 young men with digital skills, only 65 young women have similar competencies.
The sessions focused on personal data rights, safe online behaviour and obligations under Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019. Participants were also trained on how to report misuse of personal information and seek redress through the ODPC.
“As more young people come online, awareness becomes the first layer of protection,” said Vincent Musyoki, a trainer at the ODPC. “Direct engagement helps translate rights and responsibilities into practical knowledge.”
Adams Makau, a trainer at Computers for Schools Kenya, said participants gained an understanding of data protection principles and how to engage authorities if their rights are violated.
Trainees said the programme strengthened their confidence online.
“I now understand how to protect my personal data and what my rights are,” said Abdimajid Hassan Hussein, one of the participants.
The initiative comes as Kenya pushes to bridge a digital divide that leaves roughly half of its population offline, particularly in rural and marginalised counties such as Wajir. Organisers said early exposure to digital literacy and data protection is critical to enabling youth to participate safely in the country’s growing digital economy.
Kenya has nearly 7.4 million micro, small and medium enterprises employing 14.9 million people, with women running close to half of them, according to official data. Stakeholders said expanding digital skills among young people, especially women, is key to inclusive economic participation.
Through the Safer Internet Day programme, the ODPC, Huawei Kenya and the ICT ministry said they aim to strengthen digital inclusion and promote responsible internet use nationwide.
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