Trust Is the Currency of the Digital Economy, Says ICT PS

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, John Kipchumba Tanui, has said trust is the most valuable asset in the digital economy.

Speaking on Monday, January 26, 2026, while officially opening the 2026 Data Privacy Conference in Mombasa, Eng. Tanui reaffirmed the government’s commitment to data protection as a key driver of digital trust, innovation and economic growth.

He said that as data increasingly powers government services, healthcare, financial systems, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and cross-border trade, data protection must go beyond legal compliance.

“Trust is the currency of the digital economy. Data protection and privacy should be treated as strategic enablers of investment and competitiveness,” Tanui said.

The Principal Secretary noted that Kenya’s data protection and privacy laws have boosted investor confidence, attracting both local and international investments, especially in ICT, fintech, health-tech and digital services.

He said clear and predictable data governance frameworks assure investors that personal data is handled responsibly and strengthen Kenya’s image as a trusted digital destination.

Eng. Tanui also highlighted Kenya’s continued investment in digital infrastructure, supportive policies and strong institutions, which he said are positioning the country as a regional and global digital hub.

However, he warned that these gains can only be sustained through people-centred data governance frameworks that protect privacy while allowing responsible data use and innovation.

The PS commended the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and other stakeholders for strengthening Kenya’s data protection ecosystem. He called for closer collaboration between government, the private sector, academia and civil society to build a secure, inclusive and globally competitive digital economy.

The conference, which runs until January 28, 2026, marks the commemoration of Data Privacy Day and aims to raise awareness on the importance of protecting personal data in the digital age.

“At its core, data privacy is about people — their dignity, rights and confidence in the digital future we are building,” Tanui said.

The 2026 Data Privacy Conference has brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, technologists and development partners to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in data protection as Kenya accelerates its digital transformation agenda.