In a fast-evolving digital age where data is both an asset and a vulnerability, the Kenya Film Commission
(KFC), in collaboration with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), GIZ, and Tenacity Business Solutions, hosted a landmark three-day data protection training for digital content creators in Nairobi.
The training brought together over 50 creatives representing a broad spectrum of Kenya’s digital ecosystem from podcasters and YouTubers to TikTokers, bloggers, visual storytellers, and journalists. This training marked the second phase of an ongoing initiative by KFC to promote ethical, secure, and informed digital content creation. It follows a successful workshop earlier this year for filmmakers, with a third training tailored to bloggers and influencers.
Day 1: Demystifying Data Protection for the Creative Economy
The opening day laid the foundation, unpacking key elements of Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019) and aligning them with the realities of digital content creators. Led by Tenacity Business Solutions, the session challenged participants to consider the personal data they routinely collect knowingly or unknowingly from followers, clients, collaborators, and audiences.
“Most people skip reading the terms and conditions when joining a platform yet that’s often where the most sensitive clauses lie,” Kahungu, from Tenacity Business Solutions (TBS) explained. Creators were urged to understand the implications of data handling, storage, and sharing, especially in collaborations or brand partnerships that span borders.
Participants also learned about the role of the ODPC, how global data privacy frameworks influence local standards, and why creators must begin viewing themselves not just as artists, but as data processors with a duty of care.
Day 2: Cybersecurity and Culture Shift in Creative Teams
If Day 1 built awareness, Day 2 was all about action. The spotlight turned to cybersecurity fundamentals and digital risk management, with a hands-on session led by Mr. Shem Mbandu from TBS. He broke down cybersecurity concepts into simple, relatable insights, illustrating how small gaps like weak passwords, phishing emails, or unencrypted storage can expose entire creative projects to risk.
The session also tackled the rights of data subjects including audience members and collaborators and how to uphold those rights without compromising creativity.
Day 3: Ethics, Enforcement, and Forward Thinking
The final day brought together all the themes’ ethics, enforcement mechanisms, and long-term planning. Participants explored how ethical considerations in data usage reflect not only legal compliance but also the integrity and credibility of a creator’s brand.
In a powerful session led by Mr. Duncan Nyale, the focus shifted to doing the right thing even when no one is watching. “We’re shaping a digital future. If creators don’t lead with ethics, who will?” he asked, urging the young creatives to uphold high standards in content ownership, audience trust, and data protection.
Looking Ahead: A Digitally Empowered Creative Sector
This training was not just a workshop; it was a strategic investment in the digital economy. With the creative sector continuing to grow as a key pillar of Kenya’s economic and cultural landscape, the KFC sees digital responsibility as a competitive advantage for local talent.
“We’re not just training creators, we’re preparing them to be digital citizens, ethical leaders, and protectors of the audiences they serve,” noted KFC.
The Commission, together with its partners, is committed to supporting creatives with the knowledge, tools, and platforms needed to thrive in an increasingly complex digital space.
