Kenya Needs a Digital Revolution in E-commerce, Emphasizing Data Privacy and a Level Playing Field for Businesses

The Kenyan government has taken a significant step in its digital transformation efforts with the proposal of a new E-Commerce Policy. This policy, aimed at fostering a sustainable digital trade ecosystem, was discussed in a meeting between the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) and senior officials from the State Department for Trade on August 28, 2025.

The CAK's engagement is a key part of its mandate to promote healthy market competition and safeguard consumer interests, led by Director-General, Mr. Kemei David. The organization provided its expert insights during the meeting, offering valuable input for the policy's development.

The proposed E-Commerce Policy focuses on several key areas. It aims to improve consumer protection in Kenya's digital economy, address digital rights, online dispute resolution, and platform accountability. The policy also highlights specific concerns related to consumer and competition issues that require targeted solutions.

A crucial aspect of the policy is the expansion of digital infrastructure. This focus area is intended to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all Kenyans can participate in and benefit from online commerce. The policy also emphasizes the vital role of a robust online environment in driving economic growth.

The policy's implementation could potentially benefit Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya. The policy's focus on the empowerment of MSMEs aligns with earlier efforts to support these businesses, which have already been mentioned in earlier bullet points.

The draft policy proposes updates to existing laws to establish a solid legal foundation for the country's rapidly evolving e-commerce sector. This modern regulatory framework is designed to keep pace with technological advancements and ensure a more secure and equitable online marketplace.

However, the organization that submitted official comments on the draft version of the Draft E-Commerce Policy in Kenya on August 28, 2025, was not identified in the provided search results. This lack of information could potentially impact the policy's development and implementation.

In conclusion, the proposed E-Commerce Policy is a significant step in Kenya's digital transformation efforts. It addresses crucial issues in the digital economy, with a focus on consumer protection, the empowerment of MSMEs, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. The policy's implementation could potentially lead to a more secure, equitable, and inclusive online marketplace in Kenya.