Researchers, practitioners, regulators and civil society: the East Africa Data Governance Conference returns for its 3rd edition, 16 to 18 March 2027, Nairobi. Submit a presentation or discussion session by 11 Dec 👉 conference.openinstitute.afr… #EADataGov #DataGov27

The East Africa Data Governance Conference returns for its 3rd edition, 16 to 18 March 2027, Nairobi. 🌍 Next year’s theme asks a simple question: Designed for whom? Trust, Accountability, and the Citizen at the Centre of Data Governance. Submit a presentation or discussion session on trust, accountability and the citizen at the centre of data governance. 📅 Deadline: 11 December 2026 👉 conference.openinstitute.afr… #EADataGov #DataGov27

What does support for a community organisation look like beyond a funding announcement? At Maono Space in Malindi, support can mean a place to meet and collaborate, training and mentorship, access to shared services, help to communicate community work, connections with peers and small grants for locally led initiatives. These practical resources matter because organisations need more than a short-term project opportunity. They need the capacity and relationships to keep learning, working together and responding to the priorities their communities identify. That is the kind of last-mile infrastructure we want to bring into the conversation at OC2026. See the Maono Space model: malindi.maono.space/ @Oxfam @oxfamkenya @LftWKE @RiseTogetherWI @SegalFoundation @DalbergTweet @issrofffamfoun #OC2026 #FundingTheLastMile #maonospace

During our Ficha Uchi engagements in Garsen and Ngao, Tana River County, one lesson stood out: people may recognise scams but still remain silent when victimised, fearing embarrassment and blame. Through creative plays, music and conversations, participants explored how to protect their personal data, verify sources before sharing information and report violations to the @ODPC_KE The conversations surfaced another important gap: people need to know not only how to report violations, but also what support is available afterwards. When a participant asked whether the ODPC provides counselling to victims, the answer was no. This highlights the importance of making referral pathways to appropriate psychosocial support more visible alongside reporting mechanisms. As one participant in Ngao put it: “It's always important to verify the source before giving out your personal data.” But awareness must go beyond prevention. People need to know their rights, where to report violations and where to seek support without fear or shame. Because protecting personal data should never end with avoiding a scam. It should begin with informed choices and continue with the confidence to act when something goes wrong. Read more about Ficha Uchi Campaign at fichauchi.org/ #FichaUchi #DataProtection #DigitalRights

Today, we celebrate the heroes who have shaped our nation and the everyday citizens who continue to drive change in their communities. Here’s to the heroes of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Happy Mashujaa Day! #MashujaaDay2026

Development starts with the people closest to the challenge. Through shared spaces, capacity building, networks and small grants, @maono_space supports grassroots CBOs to drive community-led change. At #OC2026, we’re asking: what changes when funding reaches those closest to the community? Register to attend this session at app.swapcard.com/event/oc202… Learn more: malindi.maono.space/ @Oxfam @LftWKE @risetogether @RiseTogetherWI @SegalFoundation @unicornphila @DalbergTweet @issrofffamfoun @milanovichfa #FundingTheLastMile #MaonoSpace

What would it take to get funding to those closest to the problems we want to solve? At #OC2026, our Executive Director, Loise Mboo, will lead a discussion on Funding the Last Mile: Money Mapping and Redesign, exploring how funding can better reach and support grassroots organisations. Through Maono, Open Institute is strengthening CBOs to drive community-led solutions, amplify local voices and sustain impact. Funding the last mile starts with investing in the people closest to the change. Register for the session app.swapcard.com/event/oc202… Learn more about Maono Space malindi.maono.space/ @gatesfoundation @FordFoundation @Hewlett_Found #OC2026 #MaonoSpace #FundingTheLastMile #CommunityLedDevelopment

As Kenya heads towards the 2027 elections, we must turn data subjects into data citizens who know their rights and question what they see. At the DPGSK Annual Conference Research Day, our Executive Director, Loise Mboo, challenged us to recognise how data misuse, misinformation, disinformation and malinformation threaten electoral integrity. Through Ficha Uchi, we’re working with communities to strengthen data rights awareness and promote informed digital citizenship. Everyone has a role to play: pause, verify before sharing, protect personal data and advocate ethically. What are we doing today to prepare citizens for 2027? @StrathCIPIT @AmnestyKenya @DPGSK_Ke #DPGSKResearchDay2026 #FichaUchi #DataProtection #DigitalEthics

Will AI close the inequality gap or widen it? The 2026 #Goalkeepers Report raises a critical question. Through #AIMtaani, Open Institute is bringing practical AI training to small businesses, teachers and students in Kilifi. AI equity it’s not all about access but skills, safety and a voice in shaping the future. Read more: openinstitute.africa/2026/10… #AIMtaani #AIEquity #Goalkeepers2026 #DigitalInclusion

Yesterday, the Nandi County Youth Bunge Association (NCYBA) launched its Data Protection and Privacy Policy, developed in collaboration with Open Institute to strengthen responsible data handling and protect the rights of the communities it serves. The policy provides practical safeguards for collecting, using, storing and managing personal data, while clarifying responsibilities and protecting individuals’ rights. This milestone builds on our Ficha Uchi campaign, which raises awareness of data protection, helping people understand their rights, recognise potential violations and know where to seek redress. We are proud to have supported NCYBA and look forward to working with more civil society and community-based organisations to turn data protection commitments into practical action that safeguards people’s rights and builds trust. Read the policy: openinstitute.africa/wp-cont… Learn more about Ficha Uchi: fichauchi.org/ @nyogude @Hewlett_Found @gatesfoundation #DataProtection #FichaUchi #DataGovernance #DigitalRights

Ficha Uchi is taking data protection to the ground. From Mombasa to Kwale, communities shared real experiences of personal data being misused, scams and being conned. Through skits, songs & poetry, @maono_space Creatives made the conversation relatable and easy to understand. Next stop: Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi & Taita Taveta. Your data is your right. Know it. Protect it. How well do you understand your data rights? Take our short survey and share your experience: app.sabasi.io/share/survey/0… @Hewlett_Found @gatesfoundation @gdprAI @ODPC_KE @KenyaPrivacy @TrustDataKe #FichaUchi #DataProtection #DataRights

What happens when learning about citizen data moves beyond the classroom and into practice? Today, learners from Nigeria, Uganda, India & Turkmenistan reflect on how the course has shaped their work and what we should do differently going forward. Join us: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi… TIME:  8:00 AM EDT | 12:00 PM UTC | 2:00 PM CEST | 3:00 PM EAT | 5:00 PM TMT | 5:30 PM IST @UNDataForum @WorldBankGroup @UNStats @OGPAfrica @SDGsKenyaForum @DataDecisions #CitizenData #DataForDevelopment #LearningToPractice #EvidenceBasedDecisionMaking