Kenya is fully committed to supporting cross-border data flows in the East African Community (EAC) for enhanced economic growth and regional integration

Earlier today, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau participated in a session on, ‘Unlocking EAC Cross Border Data Flows,’ at the sideline of the Connected Africa Summit 2025 in Diani, Kwale County.

Secure data flows, the CS noted, should be anchored on trust, accountability, bold vision, strengthened institutional capacity and robust infrastructure. “We must build and institutionalize trust among East African nations as the bedrock of any data-sharing framework. Trust in our regulatory systems. Trust in our data protection commitments. Trust that national interests can be safeguarded without erecting barriers to regional progress,” the CS said.

Further noting that regulators and policymakers must be equipped to govern digital ecosystems, “Let us commit to joint training, knowledge exchange, and public–private collaboration.” The CS said that time is nigh for EAC to build an integrated digital economy where data empowers the people, accelerates innovation, and connects the region to the world on the region’s terms.

Notably, the Principal Secretary, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke remarked that enhancing cross-border data flows is vital to ensuring a progressive future for EAC. PS Isaboke stated that it is imperative to proactively engage leaders at the highest levels of governance in formulation of policies that will unlock cross-border data flows. He noted that data is an essential element of boosting digital trade, innovation and market expansion across borders.

In her keynote address, EAC Secretary General H.E Veronica Nduva appreciated EAC’s digital transformation journey that is enhancing regional harmonized regulations and policies in the digital space. She noted that EAC is supporting e-commerce growth in EAC and boosting the integration of digital markets through trusted data sharing mechanisms. The EAC Secretary General also called for support towards the establishment of an EAC Sectoral Council on digital economy.

In attendance were ICT and the Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui, ICTA Board Chairperson Hon. Lily Ng’ok, ICTA CEO Mr. Stanley Kamanguya, Chair, The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Communication, Innovation and Information, Hon. John Kiarie.

Also present were CEO AMCHAM, Mr. Maxwell Okello, Country General Manager, Microsoft, Ms. Phyllis Migwi, Data Commissioner ODPC, Ms. Immaculate Kassait, Secretary ICT E-Government and Digital Economy, Ms. Mary Kerema among other stakeholders from various nations.