KISUMU – Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo emphasized the critical importance of fostering a culture of data privacy to mitigate risks such as identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage. Speaking at the Data Privacy Day commemoration held at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, Owalo highlighted the necessity of prioritizing data privacy for protecting personal information’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
According to Kenya News Agency, establishing strong data privacy protocols is essential not only for compliance with legal frameworks but also for building consumer and stakeholder trust. The event, attended by prominent figures including the Data Protection Commissioner, Emmaculate Kasait, Media Council of Kenya CEO, David Omwoyo, and representatives from various governmental and international organizations, served as a platform to discuss the importance of data privacy in today’s digital age.
Owalo pointed out the urgency of embedding a data privacy culture within organizations and the government to navigate the complexities of data-driven progress. He argued that this is imperative for ensuring a secure, ethical business environment and for safeguarding individual rights. The Cabinet Secretary advocated for a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders to address the challenges associated with data privacy.
The commemoration also focused on the broader implications of data privacy for societal trust, transparency, and individual empowerment. Owalo called for enhanced compliance with Data Protection Laws across all sectors and recommended integrating data privacy and digital literacy into school curricula to prepare future generations.
Furthermore, Owalo revealed that the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has conducted data protection training in collaboration with the Kenya School of Government, targeting staff from both the County and National Governments. He stressed the role of the Data Protection Commissioner’s office in achieving strategic goals related to the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the Digital Superhighway Transformation.
The Cabinet Secretary also marked the launch of the ODPC Regional Offices in Kisumu, following openings in Nakuru and Mombasa, as a significant step towards national data protection. Additionally, the introduction of a ChatBot was announced to improve accessibility and user experience regarding data privacy information.
Owalo’s address concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to leverage Data Privacy Day as a catalyst for change, urging a collective effort to protect the rights and privacy of citizens in the digital era.
NAROK – In the Loita area of Narok South Sub County, John Morijoi, a bee farmer, has found success and sustainability in apiculture, advocating for its potential to support families and improve livelihoods. Speaking with the Kenya News Agency, Morijoi detailed his eight-year journey in beekeeping, emphasizing its low startup costs, minimal time investment, and the significant returns it has brought to his life.
According to Kenya News Agency, beekeeping stands out among agricultural ventures for its efficiency and simplicity. With a focus on timing for honey harvesting, he has managed to support his family, educate his children, and lead a decent life through the proceeds of his beekeeping business. His experience has made him a proponent of apiculture, especially among women and self-help groups in Narok South, including areas such as Nchaishi, Enkiu, Elangata Enterit, Loita, and Olderekesi.
To further his business, Morijoi established Loita Acacia Honey Limited, a registered company along the Narok-Nakuru Highway. The company, which sells honey and its by-products like bee wax, royal jelly, bee venom, propolis, and pollen, caters to a diverse clientele including county government officials and the elderly. Morijoi highlighted the varied uses of these by-products, from manufacturing tuberculosis drugs to fashioning dreadlocks, underscoring the versatility and value of bee products.
In terms of pricing, Morijoi’s honey sells for Sh500 per liter wholesale and Sh800 retail, a pricing strategy that has attracted a steady flow of customers. His commitment to quality and cleanliness has helped maintain high standards for his products.
Beyond honey production, Morijoi also engages in the manufacturing and selling of bee hives, offering installation services and assistance with initial harvests to his customers. He advocates for government support in training and providing beehives to interested farmers, pointing out the lack of basic knowledge in apiculture and the inefficiency of traditional hives as major barriers to entry for potential beekeepers.
Highlighting the ecological benefits of beekeeping, Morijoi pointed out the critical role bees play in pollination, supporting sustainability and biodiversity in agriculture. With one-third of the human food supply depending on insect pollination, primarily by bees, he urges the residents of Narok to consider beekeeping, particularly given the region’s favorable climatic conditions for bee habitats.
Morijoi’s call to action for the county government to offer training and resources in apiculture reflects a broader vision for community development and environmental stewardship through beekeeping in Narok.