Government Steps Up Coordination of Public Communication

Government communication is set for greater coordination, harmonisation and consistency following the approval of the National Communication Policy, which provides a framework for strengthening how Ministries, Departments and Agencies communicate with the public.

Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, EBS, opened the National Information and Public Communication Officers Sensitisation and Coordination Forum, bringing together more than 250 Government communication officers.

The forum provided an opportunity to familiarise communication officers with the newly approved policy and its requirements, including the incorporation of communication plans into Government Performance Contracting and the allocation of adequate resources to communicate Government policies, programmes and initiatives.

PS Isaboke said the strengthened communication framework will help ensure that Kenyans receive clear, timely and accurate information on Government programmes, services and opportunities.

He emphasised that effective Government communication goes beyond sharing information, noting that it is also about strengthening public understanding and trust through consistent and credible communication.

The Forum also benefited from a presentation by the National Defence University of Kenya, led by Vice Chancellor, Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Tarus, on the state of Government communication and recommendations for strengthening our communication architecture. Also present was Major General Samuel Kipkorir.

A team from the National Defence University of Kenya made up of Brigadier Dr David Ngare, the Director of Research, alongside researchers, Dr Stephen Mailu, Dr Dickens Wendo and Dr Ziro Mwatela, presented the “Research Report on the Place of Fake News, Misinformation, and Disinformation in Governance in Kenya”, which was commissioned by H.E. President Dr William Ruto. 

The study highlighted how false and misleading information can affect governance, public trust and decision-making, while examining the effectiveness of existing Government responses and the need for stronger measures to build resilience against information disorder. The research also drew on perspectives from different regions and social contexts across the country.

The engagement brought together communication officers to strengthen their understanding of the policy and promote greater coordination in the planning and delivery of Government communication.

The National Communication Policy provides a basis for a more coordinated approach to communicating Government priorities, programmes and initiatives across the public sector.

The Forum was hosted by the Directorate of Public Communication, led by Secretary Patricia Ondeng' MPRSK, ndc (f). Also present were Secretary Information and Broadcasting Mr Temesi Mukani and Deputy Government Spokesperson, Mr Gabriel Muthuma.