On Safer Internet Day, celebrated on February 10, Kenya spread the message of internet safety beyond the boundaries of the capital city and reached Wajir County. The move was facilitated by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and Huawei Kenya, along with the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy.
For four days, from February 9 to 12, about 200 students gathered to get information on data privacy and protection. The move was consistent with the theme for the year, “Together for a Better Internet,” and most of the students were internet newbies.
The move was targeted at the youth, especially young women, as they continue to face challenges when it comes to digital skills. For instance, only about 35 percent of women across the country use mobile internet, while 50 percent of men use the internet through mobile devices.
The disparity also extends to digital skills, as for every 100 young men, only 65 young women possess similar digital skills.
During the four-day training, the students got information on the protection of personal information, the rights conferred upon them through the Data Protection Act, 2019, and the dos and don’ts when it comes to internet usage. The students also got information on the measures to take when their personal information is misused.
The move was meant to ensure the youth remain safe when using the internet, considering the increased number of internet users across the country. The move also supports Huawei’s drive to enhance digital skills across the country and the ODPC’s mission to ensure Kenyans are aware of the laws on data protection.
According to Vincent Musyoki, the ODPC trainer, the move was necessary since the number of internet users, especially the youth, keeps on rising as connectivity improves.
“As more young people go online, especially as connectivity improves in the country, awareness is the first step towards protection. By observing Safer Internet Day through direct engagement, we ensure the rights and responsibilities of internet users become knowledge,” said Vincent Musyoki.
He pointed out that the partnership with Huawei Kenya and the Ministry of ICT guarantees that every Kenyan learns how to protect their personal data and where to seek help in the event of rights violations.
In the case of the students, the program’s influence is evident. “I now know how to protect my personal data and what my online rights are.
