Data Protection Officer Maasai Mara University

Dr. Benedict Troon
Office of the Data Protection Officer

Welcome to the Office of the Data Protection Officer at Maasai Mara University.

As the University’s Data Protection Officer, I am committed to ensuring that the personal data entrusted to us by students, staff, partners, and other stakeholders is handled with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

In today’s digital age, safeguarding personal information is not just a legal requirement but also a fundamental human right. At Maasai Mara University, we recognize our duty to respect and protect these rights while ensuring that data processing supports our academic, administrative, and research goals responsibly.

My office works closely with the University community to build awareness, provide guidance, and foster a culture of privacy and data protection. Together, we can uphold the trust placed in us and position Maasai Mara University as a leader in responsible data governance.

Overview of the Office

The Office of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) at Maasai Mara University (MMARAU) plays a central role in ensuring the University’s compliance with data protection laws and upholding the privacy rights of all individuals whose personal data is collected, processed, and stored. Guided by the Data Protection Act No. 24 of 2019, the office ensures that data is handled lawfully, fairly, and transparently, while safeguarding the fundamental rights of students, staff, partners, and other stakeholders.

As a public institution, MMARAU processes diverse categories of personal data for academic, administrative, research, and legal purposes. This includes fulfilling obligations to regulatory bodies and supporting the University’s strategic mission. The Office of the DPO ensures that such processing is carried out with the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

Mandate of the Office

In accordance with Section 24 (7) of the Data Protection Act, 2019, the office is mandated to:

  • Advise the University (as data controller and processor) and its employees on data processing requirements under the law.
  • Ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act on behalf of the University.
  • Facilitate capacity building through training and awareness programs for staff involved in data processing operations.
  • Provide guidance on conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
  • Cooperate with the Office of the Data Commissioner and other relevant authorities on matters of data protection.

Commitment to Data Privacy

Maasai Mara University recognizes that safeguarding personal data is a fundamental human right. While levels of awareness on privacy rights may vary among individuals, the University is committed to:

  • Protecting personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
  • Ensuring data is processed strictly for lawful, legitimate, and transparent purposes.
  • Building institutional capacity to continuously uphold best practices in data governance.
  • Promoting a culture of privacy and data protection within the University community.

Strategic Role of the Office

The Office of the Data Protection Officer is not only a compliance function but also a strategic partner in the University’s growth. By embedding privacy and data protection into academic and administrative processes, the office:

  • Strengthens stakeholder trust and confidence.
  • Enhances accountability and good governance.
  • Supports innovation and research while respecting ethical and legal standards.
  • Positions Maasai Mara University as a leader in responsible data stewardship within the higher education sector.