Regulationsby GlyphKenya Data Protection Act
In force Kenya · In force Nov 25, 2019 · no upcoming deadlines
Deadlines
Data Protection Act in forceAct commences.
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Kenya's GDPR-inspired data protection law establishing the ODPC, mandatory registration of data controllers and processors, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification to the Commissioner, DPIAs, and conditions on cross-border transfers (with some data localisation for strategic public interest processing).
- Who it applies to
- Controllers and processors established or resident in Kenya, or processing personal data of data subjects located in Kenya. Registration required unless exempt under the Registration Regulations (e.g. small entities below turnover/employee thresholds, except sectors listed as mandatory).
- Penalties
- Administrative fines up to KES 5 million or 1% of annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is lower; criminal offences with fines and imprisonment.
- Enforced by
- Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC)
- Official name
- Data Protection Act, 2019 (No. 24 of 2019)
- Citation
- Act No. 24 of 2019
- Topics
- Privacy, Breach notification, Data residency
Verified 2026-09-22 new.kenyalaw.org
Research notes
Data Protection (General), (Registration) and (Complaints Handling) Regulations 2021 followed; the registration compliance date (reported as July 2022) was not verified so is omitted. Assent date 8 Nov 2019 from recollection.
Related
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Israel Privacy Protection Law Amendment 13Major overhaul of Israel's privacy law: broadens definitions (personal and highly sensitive information), narrows database registration, requires privacy protection officers for certain entities, and gives the Privacy Protection Authority powers to impose large administrative fines and orders, plus statutory damages.In effect since Aug 14, 2025
Kenya Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes ActKenya's main cybercrime law. It creates offences such as unauthorised access, interference, cyber harassment and false publication, sets up a National Computer and Cybercrimes Co-ordination Committee, and requires critical infrastructure owners to report threatening incidents. The 2025 amendment adds identity theft rules and lets the Committee order websites or apps that promote unlawful activity, child sexual content, terrorism or extremism to be blocked.In effect since May 30, 2018
Nigeria NDPANigeria's primary data protection statute, establishing the NDPC, lawful bases, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification, and special duties for data controllers and processors of major importance (registration, DPO, compliance audits). The GAID 2025 supersedes the NDPR 2019 and its Implementation Framework with detailed rules on audits, DPIAs, transfers and more.In effect since Jun 12, 2023Rwanda DPP LawRwanda's data protection law, modelled on the GDPR. Controllers and processors must register with the supervisory authority, report breaches within 72 hours, and store personal data in Rwanda unless they hold a certificate allowing storage abroad. Cross-border transfers need authorisation or another listed ground.In effect since Oct 15, 2021
Saudi PDPLSaudi Arabia's comprehensive data protection law with implementing regulations and separate transfer regulations: legal bases, data subject rights, breach notification to SDAIA within 72 hours, DPO and registration requirements, and restrictions on transfers outside the Kingdom.In effect since Sep 14, 2023
South Africa Cybercrimes ActCreates cybercrime offences such as unlawful access, interception, interference with data and systems, cyber fraud, extortion, and malicious communications including harmful intimate images. It also sets rules for search, seizure and cross-border cooperation. The duty for electronic communications service providers and financial institutions to report cybercrime (section 54) has not yet commenced.In effect since Dec 1, 2021
Questions about Kenya Data Protection Act
- What are the Kenya Data Protection Act compliance deadlines?
- Nov 25, 2019: Data Protection Act in force.
- When does Kenya Data Protection Act take effect?
- Kenya Data Protection Act took effect on Nov 25, 2019.
- Who does Kenya Data Protection Act apply to?
- Controllers and processors established or resident in Kenya, or processing personal data of data subjects located in Kenya. Registration required unless exempt under the Registration Regulations (e.g. small entities below turnover/employee thresholds, except sectors listed as mandatory).
- What are the penalties under Kenya Data Protection Act?
- Administrative fines up to KES 5 million or 1% of annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is lower; criminal offences with fines and imprisonment.