In today’s digital landscape, data protection has become a critical concern for businesses and individuals alike. John Gichuru, CEO and Lead Consultant at Infoholistic Consulting Services Ltd, recognized this growing need and took a bold step to enhance his expertise in data privacy and security. His journey with Moringa School’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) Course not only deepened his knowledge but also expanded his career opportunities.
Discovering Moringa School
John first learned about Moringa School through “friends and outdoor advertising.” As a seasoned professional in cybersecurity, he observed that “there are gaps in the way that personal data is being protected across many organizations.” This realization, he said, fueled his desire to understand “the legal and regulatory framework guiding data protection in Kenya and other jurisdictions.”
Although he considered other institutions, he said, “Moringa stood out for its brand and flexibility in the DPO course training.” These factors made it the ideal choice for him to advance his knowledge and skills in data protection.
A Transformative Learning Experience
The DPO course at Moringa School provided John with “an exciting and impactful” learning experience, he said. He particularly appreciated “the fact that the materials were rich and diverse and the Q&A facilitation was deep and participatory.” One of his most memorable experiences was working with the course facilitator, whom he described as “really helpful in interpreting the law and the regulations.”
He found the discussions with fellow learners enriching, saying it was “personally challenging to get the viewpoints of the other learners in the course of unpacking the course materials and case studies.”
Career Impact and Application
Since completing the course, John has been instrumental in “assisting business owners in interpreting the requirements of the DPA, 2019 in the course of their registration as data handlers.” He also notes that the experience has helped him expand his network in the data protection training space.
John’s consulting work in data analytics, cybersecurity, and electronic records management naturally intersects with data protection. With the knowledge gained from the course, he said he is now authoritatively equipped to address pertinent data protection issues arising in these areas for his clients.
One of the key takeaways from the course for him was “the need for Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), a key requirement for data handlers.” This has become an essential aspect of his advisory services, helping organizations mitigate risks associated with personal data processing.
Advice for Aspiring Data Protection Professionals
John believes that “data privacy affects everyone; students building a career in law or IT & cyber security, professionals handling personal data in HR, healthcare, finance & banking, security, education, marketing, logistics, hospitality, etc. or business owners.” For those considering the course, he advises: “Gain awareness of your privacy rights, protect your organisation from threats and breaches, assure legal compliance and gain trust from employees and customers.”
His parting words of wisdom? He said, “You protect what you value. Data is no exception and ranks up there among most valuable.”
Beyond Work
When he is not immersed in cybersecurity and data protection, John enjoys reading. He is also open to mentorship and welcomes aspiring data protection professionals to reach out to him on email at jgichuru@infoholistic.co.ke.
Reflecting on his experience, John describes his journey with Moringa School as a testament to “the power of continuous learning and the impact of acquiring specialized knowledge in today’s digital world.” His story serves as an inspiration for those looking to “transition into the data protection field or enhance their expertise in cybersecurity.”
Inspired by John’s story to venture into the evolving field of Data Protection? Join our next intake starting soon. Apply here!
