DAMA Kenya, the local chapter of the International Data Management Association, is set to launch on Tuesday as demand grows for professionals who can manage, secure and protect data across businesses and public institutions.
The launch, scheduled for October 13 at PrideInn Azure Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, will bring together professionals from banking, telecommunications, healthcare, government, universities and other sectors that rely on data to run their operations.
The chapter aims to provide training, professional certification and networking opportunities for data practitioners in Kenya, linking them to internationally recognised standards and expertise.
“Data management is a profession, with a published body of knowledge and a credential employers recognise. This launch says to every Kenyan who works with data: there is now a home for you here, and a clear path to grow,” said Hartnell Ndungi, president of DAMA Kenya.
The initiative comes as organisations increasingly rely on digital records, including customer information, mobile money transactions, patient files and public service databases. Poor data management can expose businesses and institutions to financial losses, security breaches and unreliable information.
Organisations also face obligations under Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, which governs the processing of personal data and sets requirements for protecting individuals’ privacy.
DAMA Kenya says it will promote professional standards by training practitioners, supporting certification and creating a network through which members can share expertise and solutions to common data management challenges.
The chapter will offer training based on the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), an international reference framework for data management. It will also support professionals seeking the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) qualification through study groups, examination preparation clinics and other learning activities.
Other planned activities include workshops, networking meetings and an annual data conference.
According to the chapter, it has more than 900 members, over 15 corporate partners and has hosted more than 50 events. It is led by a seven-member elected board chaired by Ndungi.
The other officials are Dorothy Timina, vice president; Dr Paul Mungai, secretary general; Zipporah Muturi, treasurer; and board members Peter Migwi Kamoche, Patrick Kariuki and Peter Nderitu.
The launch is open to data managers, analysts, engineers, architects, information technology and compliance leaders, business executives, researchers and students. Attendance is free, although participants are required to register in advance because of limited seating.
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