Kabogo: Cross-border data flow key to EAC’s digital future

Kabago emphasised on the need to be digitally skilled as a region

by JENNIFER KANARI

News28 May 2025 - 14:01

In Summary

He pointed out the importance of seamless data flow across borders which is imperative to spur innovation, job creation, regional integration and cohesion.
Kabogo noted that as a region, we need to empower our people through digital skilling and creating policy and regulatory frameworks that protect data sharing,

Kenya is throwing its full weight behind efforts to unlock seamless cross-border data flows within the East African Community (EAC), saying it sees digital integration as a cornerstone for economic growth, job creation, and regional cohesion.

Speaking on Wednesday during a high-level session in Kwale County on “Unlocking EAC Cross-Border Data Flows,” Cabinet Secretary for ICT William Kabogo underscored the country’s commitment to fostering a digitally connected region.

“Kenya is fully committed to supporting cross-border data flows in the East African Community for enhanced economic growth and regional integration,” said Kabogo.

He noted that smooth and secure data movement across borders is essential to unlocking the region’s digital potential. According to Kabogo, enabling such data flows—anchored in trust, accountability, and strong infrastructure—can make the EAC a continental and global leader in digital innovation.

“Our region must empower its people through digital skilling while putting in place policies and regulatory frameworks that safeguard data sharing,” he added.

Kenya’s approach is grounded in its comprehensive Data Protection Framework, which aligns with the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection and other global best practices.

The push for harmonised data governance isn’t new. In December 2024, the EAC Secretariat convened a Regional Workshop for Data Experts, bringing together stakeholders to begin crafting a unified approach to managing data flows across the bloc’s eight Partner States.

The initiative is part of the broader Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP)—a World Bank-backed program aiming to create a secure, seamless digital marketplace across Eastern Africa.

“Through collaboration and the creation of a harmonised framework for cross-border data flows, we are laying the foundation for a digitally interconnected region that fosters innovation, boosts trade, and elevates our global competitiveness,” said EAC Deputy Secretary General for Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, Annette Ssemuwemba, during the workshop.

World Bank Senior Digital Development Specialist Cecilia Paradi-Guilford echoed that sentiment, highlighting the economic importance of regional digital cooperation.

“EARDIP seeks to create an integrated digital market across Eastern Africa, boosting connectivity, data flows and digital trade,” she said.

As regional economies increasingly rely on digital platforms and services, the ability to share data securely and efficiently across borders is becoming not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative.

For Kenya and its neighbours, success in this area could define the next era of regional integration and prosperity