The Kenya Ports Authority strengthens its staff’s capacity on data protection compliance
In a world where the digitization of port operations is accelerating, data protection has become a top priority. It’s in this context that the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), manager of the dynamic Port of Mombasa, recently organized a three-day training symposium on data protection compliance. This event, held from June 11 to 13 in Watamu, Kilifi County, brought together KPA’s senior executives, including Managing Director Captain William Ruto, demonstrating the authority’s commitment to strengthening its internal data privacy practices.
The initiative aimed to deepen senior management’s understanding of the Data Protection Act of 2019 and to promote a culture of accountability in handling sensitive personal information. Captain Ruto emphasized the importance of staying current with rapidly evolving digital policy trends. “In a fast-changing digital world, there is always need for continuous training in relevant fields, especially data protection,” he stated, adding that his office prioritizes training needs that enhance critical skills directly contributing to efficiency.
Ms. Margaret K. Kinyanjani, Principal of the College of Human Resource Management (CHRM), a long-standing partner of KPA in capacity building, lauded the management’s commitment. CHRM has previously collaborated with KPA to train all its sections on data protection, thereby preparing all Authority staff for full compliance.
As the use of digital systems in port operations, logistics, and customer engagement continues to grow, compliance with national and global data privacy laws has become critical. The symposium also explored emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cyber risk, and cross-border data flows, highlighting KPA’s forward-thinking vision.
This event is part of a broader government initiative to ensure public institutions uphold the principles of data minimization, transparency, and secure data processing, as enshrined in the 2019 Data Protection Act. By adopting a “privacy-by-design” approach, KPA seeks to build its institutional capacity and ensure regulatory alignment.
The collaboration between KPA and CHRM, which has been ongoing since 2017, has already yielded significant results. It is through this partnership that the college facilitated KPA’s human resource staff in acquiring the CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional) certification, a new qualification introduced by an act of parliament.
KPA’s commitment to data protection and cybersecurity sends a strong signal to the entire African port sector. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, ports that invest in training and compliance will be better positioned to attract investment, secure the trust of their partners and clients, and protect their critical operations from growing threats. The Port of Mombasa could well become a model for other maritime hubs on the continent looking to strengthen their digital resilience.
