Ministry Departments

A. TECHNICAL DEPARTMENTS

I. Office of Government Spokesperson (OGS)

The Office of the Government Spokesperson (OGS) serves as the nerve centre of government communications. Its Core mandate is to coordinate, plan, manage and implement communication of government policies, programs and initiatives. It is also mandated with providing oversight of the technical operations of the Directorates of Information, Public Communication, and Film Services, Kenya News Agency, Government Advertising Agency, Office of the Information Secretary, the Government Media Centre and all affiliated functions in various Ministries and Government Agencies.

Core Functions

Provide oversight to the directorates Information, Public Communication, Film Services and the Government Advertising Agency;
Set standard, ensure efficiency, quality control and harmonized messaging in government communication;
Propagate government policies and initiatives by providing timely and accurate dissemination of information;
Create synergy, partnerships and collaborations with creators and consumers of government information including the media fraternity; and
Publicize government programmes and projects through media and community engagement.

Mandate

The key mandate of OGS is planning, coordinating, managing and informing the public on government policies and programs.

To execute this mandate, the Office of the Government oversights the following departments:

Directorate of Public Communications (DPC)
Directorate of Information (DI)
Directorate of Film Services (DFS)
Government Advertising Agency (GAA)
Office of the Information Secretary, the Government Media Centre and all affiliated functions in various Ministries and Government Agencies

The functions under the OGS

Oversee the strategic communication function of government policies, programs, projects and initiatives.
Coordinate government communications in times of crisis, emergency and risk situations as well as other special occasions.
Propagate and disseminate accurate information on government policies, programs, projects and initiatives in a timely manner.
Facilitate communication between the government and its publics.

II. Directorate of ICT Shared Services

The Directorate of ICT Shared services was established through Public Service Commission vide letter reference PSC/EMS/11 (3) of 27^th November, 2019.

The functions of the Directorate are:-

Provide strategic leadership in Information Communication Technology and business development to the Government.
Development, implementation and review of the national Information Communication Technology policies (automation/digitization, security, innovation, software development, obsolescence among others).
Development of enabling institutional, legal and regulatory framework on Information Communication Technology Matters
Spearheading development and integration of shared systems across Ministries Departments and Agencies
Mainstream e-government services.
Provide leadership on promotion of software development.
Development and management of National Communication Infrastructure.
Development of an integrated information infrastructure (Data hub).
Development of guidelines and procedures for smooth interaction between Ministries, Counties, Agencies, and Departments.
Information Communication Technology personnel development, administer the Information Communication Technology Scheme of Service, deploy and manage Information Communication Technology officers in the civil service.
Develop, implement, manage and monitor Information Communication Technology Performance management for Ministries Departments and Agencies.
Liaise with development partners on funding, facilitation and implementation of Information Communication Technology Project.
Consolidated Information Communication Technology Procurement for all Ministries Departments and Agencies

III. Directorate of ICT Security, Audit and Control

The Directorate ICT Security, Audit and Control of was established through Public Service Commission vide circular of 27th November, 2019.

The functions of the Directorate are: -

Formulation, implementation and review of Information Communication Technology policies, strategies, guidelines and standards related to ICT Security, Systems Audit and Control.
Planning, directing, controlling and coordinating Information Communication Technology Security, Audit and Control functions.
Resource mobilization, budgeting, budgetary control accountability and prudent utilization resources.
Advising the Government on Information Communication Technology Security matters.
Research and development on emerging Information Communication Technology trends.
The Directorate implements strategies, programmes, projects and activities aimed at improving Information Communications Technologies.

IV. Directorate of Information

The directorate of Information is responsible for: formulation, interpretation and implementation of information policies, strategies and programmes; Conducting information research and provision of appropriate strategies; advising on all matters relating to information services; cover development projects socio-economic and cultural activities in line with the constitution and the Vision 2030 and millennium Development goals (MDGs); The department also provide information that enhances security, peace and national cohesion; coordinating all information services locally and outside the country; gathers , packages, documentation and disseminate news and information Additionally the department is responsible for writing and /or translating articles and features; verifying the accuracy of the news; dispatching news to other media and maintaining an effective newsletter; digitizes and avails information to the citizenry on the Government Information Portal. The department is located at Uchumi House in Nairobi but has regional offices across the country.

For more information – www.kenyanewsagency.go.ke

V. Directorate of Public Communication

The directorate of Public Communications is responsible for: formulation, interpretation and implementation of National Public Communications policies, programmes and strategies; management of public communications; branding, promotion and maintenance of positive image of the government both locally and internationally; building of mutual relations between internal and external publics; carrying out research on public opinion on specific sectoral areas in the government and providing appropriate intervention strategies; The department advises ministries/departments and agencies on matters of public communications including dissemination of public communication and stakeholders engagement; The department products are information, Education and communication (IEC) materials; It prepares media reviews, briefs and press releases/statements; supplements , documentaries and features similarly it advises the government portal and management of content generation in ministerial website.

For more information –www.mygov.go.ke

VI. Directorate of Government Advertising Agency (GAA)

INTRODUCTION

The Government Advertising Agency is a directorate under the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunication of the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy. It was formed in July 2015 to authorize Public Sector Advertising and to implement sectorial standards, procedures, guidelines and managing consolidated Government Advertising funds vide Treasury Circular No. 09/2015.

FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING AGENCY

The GAA undertakes the following functions:

Authorization of Advertising in Ministries, State Corporations, and Universities and SAGAs under the National Government;
Formulation, development, implementation and review of Government Advertising policies, News Editing and Graphic Design policies, standards, procedures and guidelines;
Management of consolidated government advertising funds; compilation of quarterly advertising plans from Ministries, State Corporations, Universities and SAGAs under the National Government;
Preparation of advertising plans and budgets for Ministries, State Corporations, Universities and SAGAs under the National Government;
Publication of MyGov weekly newspaper and other publications for MDAs and Commissions; publication of MyGov weekly online edition;
Information gathering and packaging for publication in MyGov newspaper;
Coordination of production of special reports on government projects and programmes for publication in MyGov newspaper.
Consolidate Public Sector Advertising (PSA)
GAA undertakes print advertising for public sector players, and approves electronic advertising, which MDAs are allowed to undertake on their own upon approval. This is done in accordance with the GAA contract framework under Public Procurement Regulations.
Co-ordinate and manage Public Sector advertising contracts and tendering.
Articulate and propagate Government development agenda, policies, initiatives and achievements, publish government tender and employment opportunities through MyGov publication.
Approves all Public Sector Advertising and ensure the implementation of PSA standards and procedures.
Ensure compliance with all applicable advertising legislation, policies, and standards.
Approve GOK institutional annual advertising plans, develop a comprehensive GAP and provide guidelines for GoK advertising proposals.
Analyze PSA data, prepare reports and disseminate findings to the public.

VII. Directorate of Film Services (DFS)

Responsible for the production & dissemination of films that Interpret government policies & programmes Promote Kenya’s cultural identity, diversity & nationhood.

B. SUPPORT SERVICES

This department has various divisions that include;- Administration, Human resources, Legal, Finance and Accounts; Economic Planning, Procurement, Aids Control Unit and Public Communications. These divisions perform different specialized duties that collectively ensure the smooth running of the Ministry.