Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo has been shortlisted among 13 candidates for interviews for the position of Data Commissioner.
Omwoyo will face the Public Service Commission (PSC) panel on Monday, October 5, 2026, as the recruitment process to replace the current Data Commissioner enters the interview stage.
The PSC said the candidates were selected after it received 152 applications following an advertisement published on August 25, 2026. The application window closed on September 14, after which the Commission conducted the shortlisting exercise.
The interviews will be held at the PSC offices on Harambee Avenue, Nairobi. The shortlisted candidates have been directed to report to the venue at least 20 minutes before their scheduled interview time.
Omwoyo, who has served as MCK CEO, brings to the contest experience in media regulation, journalism and issues surrounding data protection and privacy.
His current role has placed him at the intersection of media regulation and emerging questions around the use and protection of personal data.
MCK has previously partnered with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) to sensitise journalists on the Data Protection Act and the obligations of media organisations when handling personal information.
Omwoyo has also been involved in discussions on the implications of data protection for the media, including the treatment of journalists and media houses as data processors and controllers.
At a 2025 Data Privacy Day engagement, Omwoyo urged journalists to exercise caution when handling personal information, emphasising the importance of consent and the right to privacy.
The ODPC has also featured Omwoyo in forums on data protection and media, including its 2026 Data Protection Conference programme, where he was listed as a speaker in his capacity as MCK CEO.
The other candidates shortlisted for the position are Nooseli Moses Lemayian, Otieno Oscar Onyango, Shalle Mohamed Abdi, Sitienei Lydia Chelagat, Nyale Duncan Kubahatisha, Kirwa Solomon, Anditi Stephen Odhiambo, Lobuin Isaac Eregae, Mbiuki Jasper Micheni, Cheronoh Lynneth, Abdi Mohamed Hussein and Nyongesa John Walubengo.
“The recruitment is being undertaken pursuant to Section 6(2) of the Data Protection Act, which provides for the appointment of the Data Commissioner,” the notice read.
The successful candidate will head the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, the regulator responsible for overseeing compliance with Kenya’s data protection framework and safeguarding the rights of individuals in relation to their personal data.
