Kenya’s ODPC issues 184 compensation orders in privacy complaints milestone

While many data privacy advancements take place in Europe and the US, other areas are no less fascinating to watch. Kenya’s Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) started 2026 with a bang, issuing 184 compensation orders to individuals whose personal data was unlawfully managed by businesses. This is a significant enforcement step under Kenya’s Data Protection Act, which is now being implemented nationwide.

This and other steps taken by the ODPC were discussed during a data privacy conference. Ms. Immaculate Kassait, Kenya’s first Data Commissioner, shared that the authority has received 9,061 complaints, noting that 84 disputes were resolved through alternative dispute resolution, along with 357 determinations, 134 enforcement notices, and 20 penalty notices. The Commissioner stated Kenya’s commitment to protecting its constitutional right to privacy.