Fiona Makaka
Fiona Makaka is a trailblazing Kenyan data protection and fintech legal expert whose career has had a transformative impact on the region’s digital economy. In 2019, she broke new ground by becoming East Africa’s first Data Protection Officer, appointed by Safaricom PLC to steer the company’s compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection Act as well as international frameworks such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This pioneering role positioned her at the forefront of shaping corporate data governance and privacy practices in the region.
Before joining Safaricom, Fiona practiced law at TripleOKLaw Advocates, where she specialized in fintech, digital payments, and mobile money regulation. Her expertise enabled her to advise both startups and established financial institutions navigating the fast-evolving digital finance space. Beyond her corporate achievements, Fiona is a strong advocate for data privacy education. She has partnered with institutions like the Kenya School of Law to bridge critical skills gaps, nurturing the next generation of privacy and cybersecurity professionals.
Fiona also serves as Chair of the Kenya Privacy and Protection Association (KPPA) and is widely recognized as a thought leader in cybersecurity, digital rights, and data governance across East Africa, influencing both policy and practice.