By John Emeripus
Professor George Ogendi today on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage, officially opened a comprehensive training session on data protection for university staff. The event, held at the university’s main campus Njoro, aims to equip senior staff members with critical knowledge and skills to safeguard sensitive information in an increasingly digital academic environment.
During his opening remarks, Professor Ogendi who is the Principal of Nakuru Town Campus, Egerton University stressed on the importance of data protection in maintaining the integrity and reputation of the university. He highlighted how the growing reliance on digital platforms necessitates a collective effort to understand best practices for data handling, storage, and sharing.
"Data Protection Act 2019 gives guidelines on activities for Institutions like Egerton University to follow and so far, Egerton has developed a draft policy on Data Protection and security to help operationalize the Act. This training is designed to empower senior staff with the tools needed to protect students, staff, and institutional data," said Professor Ogendi.
He emphasized on the critical observance by those staff handling students data and promotion of the same in regard to what goes to the public, remains private, international terming it a delicate security balance on data -based protection. Experts from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner are the ones facilitating interactive sessions to ensure engagement and practical learning experiences.
The team led by Godfrey Murata championing data protection, said Egerton university is reaffirming its commitment to creating a secure and trustworthy academic environment for its compliance to legal regulations and statutory requirements of the Act. Mr Murata said that such a training is vital in fostering a culture of security and compliance. Egerton university should make this training an ongoing part of staff development to keep pace with evolving digital challenges.
The 4-day training covers key topics such as data privacy laws,cybersecurity protocols, recognizing cyber threats, and implementing effective data management strategies.
