The digital world offers development opportunities, but it also poses privacy threats, jeopardizing citizens' security. Authorities are intensifying efforts to restore user trust and ensure data protection.

Kenya's Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) fined three entities a total of KES 9,375,000, according to a September 26 press release.

Among the entities fined is Mulla Pride Ltd, a Digital Credit Provider (DCP) that operates the KeCredit and Faircash mobile lending apps. It received a KES 2,975,000 fine for the misuse of personal information obtained from third parties. This data was inappropriately used to intimidate and harass individuals.

The second entity is the Casa Vera Lounge, a popular restaurant in Nairobi. They were fined KES 1,850,000 for posting a customer's image on their social media platform without the subject's consent.

Meanwhile, Roma School, an educational institution in Uthiru, received a KES 4,550,000 penalty for posting pictures of minors without parental consent.

These penalty notices were issued per Sections 62 and 63 of the Data Protection Act, 2019, and Regulations 20 and 21 of the Data Protection (Complaints Handling Procedure and Enforcement) Regulations, 2021.

The ODPC's actions aim to safeguard the rights and privacy of individuals, reinforcing the significance of complying with data protection regulations. These penalties are expected to prompt greater vigilance and adherence to data protection rules throughout the country.

Hikmatu Bilali