By Eddah Waithaka
200 students receive data protection training as Kenya bridges digital divide in frontier counties
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), in partnership with Huawei Kenya and the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, empowered 200 students in Wajir County with practical online safety skills during a four-day training programme marking Safer Internet Day 2025.
Held between 9th and 12th February, the initiative equipped young people, including first-time internet users with knowledge on personal data rights, safe online behaviour, and ethical handling of information in today’s digital environment.
The training aligned with this year’s global theme, “Together for a Better Internet.”Girls and Young Women Take Centre StageThe programme specifically targeted girls and young women, who nationally face significant barriers to digital access and skills development.
Studies show only 35 percent of women in Kenya use mobile internet compared to 50 percent of men, and for every 100 young men with digital skills, only 65 young women possess comparable competencies.
Muna Hassan, a training participant, testified to the programme’s impact.”Understanding data protection and online rights is essential for anyone using digital platforms today,” Hassan said.
“This training gave girls and young women the knowledge and confidence to navigate the internet safely.”
Translating Rights into Practical Knowledge
Vincent Musyoki, a trainer at ODPC, emphasised the importance of direct engagement with young people in underserved regions.
“As more young people come online, especially in regions with growing connectivity, awareness becomes the first layer of protection,” Musyoki stated.
“Marking Safer Internet Day through direct engagement allowed us to translate rights and responsibilities into practical knowledge.”
He added that the collaboration with Huawei Kenya and the Ministry of ICT ensured every Kenyan understood how to safeguard personal data, reduce exposure to digital harm, and seek redress when violations occur.
Participants Gain Confidence and Clarity
Trainees reported significant gains in their understanding of online safety and data protection.”I now understand how to protect my personal data and what my rights are online,” said Abdimajid Hassan Hussein.
“Learning this during Safer Internet Day showed us that creating a better internet starts with informed and responsible users.”
Adams Makau, a trainer at Computers for Schools Kenya, highlighted the importance of knowing legal remedies under Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019.
“Participants gained a clear understanding of internet safety, data protection principles, and their rights as data subjects,” Makau explained.
“Importantly, they now know how to engage the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner if their personal information is misused.”
Bridging the Digital Divide in Frontier Counties
The initiative addressed critical gaps in connectivity and digital literacy in frontier counties like Wajir, where youth face limited access to online resources and training opportunities.
Early exposure to digital literacy and data protection enables young people to participate safely in Kenya’s growing digital economy. With nearly 7.4 million MSMEs employing 14.9 million Kenyans, digital skills directly influence inclusive economic opportunity.
Young women run nearly half of these enterprises but face systemic barriers in financing, markets, and skills development.
“Training youth in Wajir was not just about online safety,” Musyoki noted. “It is about empowering them to engage in the digital economy, access information, and protect their rights so they can thrive locally and nationally.”
National Priority in Action
The programme reflects Kenya’s broader commitment to bridging the digital divide. Half of Kenyans remain offline, leaving many rural and marginalised youth disconnected from education, services, and economic opportunities.
Through this Safer Internet Day engagement, ODPC, Huawei Kenya, and the Ministry of ICT reaffirmed their commitment to online safety, digital inclusion, and rights-aware internet use across all regions.
The training forms part of Huawei Kenya’s ongoing investment in digital skills development and supports ODPC’s mandate to promote compliance with data protection laws nationwide.
By building a pipeline of digitally literate youth, the partners aim to ensure no community gets left behind as Kenya’s digital landscape expands.
