Data protection and cybersecurity laws in kenya
By Thomas Louis Advocates,
Data protection and cybersecurity laws in Kenya are becoming increasingly critical as data becomes a form of currency and digital systems power everything from payments to property transactions. At Thomas Louis Advocates (TLA), we guide startups, fintech innovators, and forward-thinking enterprises through this complex legal landscape. By blending legal expertise, digital fluency, and precise regulatory knowledge, we help our clients stay secure, compliant, and confidently aligned with the evolving intersection of law and innovation.
Why It Matters
With growing use of AI, cloud systems, digital wallets, and mobile platforms, companies collect and process vast amounts of personal and financial data.
- Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019 (modeled after GDPR) requires clear data governance
- The rise in cyber threats exposes businesses to legal and reputational risk
- Investors and regulators expect strong compliance frameworks from early on
- Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and biometrics raise new legal challenges
Failing to align with regulation can result in penalties, data breaches, loss of customer trust or worse, business shutdowns.
How We Support You
At TLA, we provide strategic legal support across.
- Data protection compliance (DPA, GDPR alignment)
- Drafting privacy policies & data processing agreements (DPAs)
- Cybersecurity risk mitigation & regulatory advisory
- Handling data breach response and regulator notifications
- AI governance & ethical tech use policies
- Tech platform audits & SaaS/data contracts
- Cross-border data transfer compliance
Our Clients Include:
Future outlook
Trust, security, and compliance are no longer optional they are part of how tech businesses compete. At Thomas Louis Advocates, we partner with innovative companies to embed data protection and cybersecurity into their DNA so they can grow with confidence and credibility.
PRACTICE OVERVIEW
We assist organizations in interpreting and implementing Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019), ensuring that they collect, process, and store personal data lawfully and transparently. Whether you’re launching a startup, managing a database of users, or expanding into digital markets, we guide you through the legal requirements of consent, data subject rights, cross-border data transfers, and regulatory filings. Our compliance programs are tailored to each client’s operations, reducing risk and building trust with users and regulators alike.
In the face of growing cyber threats and increased scrutiny from regulators, we help clients proactively manage cyber risks while complying with the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018) and related legislation. From reviewing IT policies and breach response protocols to advising on obligations following a cyberattack, we deliver practical solutions that safeguard your digital infrastructure. We also help organizations prepare for audits and reporting obligations required by Kenya’s cybercrime authorities.
As fintech disrupts traditional financial services, our firm provides regulatory clarity to innovators building digital lending platforms, mobile wallets, blockchain products, and payment systems. We support fintech companies in securing licenses, drafting compliance frameworks, and engaging with regulators like the CBK, the ODPC, and the CMA. Our deep understanding of Kenya’s digital economy enables us to align your legal obligations with your innovation goals, helping you scale securely and sustainably.
We work with tech enterprises, startups, and international platforms to navigate Kenya’s evolving regulatory ecosystem. Whether your business model involves data monetization, AI deployment, or cross-border digital trade, we help you anticipate legal shifts and align your policies with best practices. We also engage with industry bodies and government consultations, giving our clients early insight into upcoming policy changes that may affect their operations.