KUPRECOM union members during a media briefing /HANDOUT
The Kenya Public Relations and Communication Professionals Union (KUPRECOMP) has welcomed the government’s renewed recognition of the role of public communication in policy implementation and the national development agenda.
KUPRECOMP chairperson Michael Wao Awiti said the government’s move to strengthen communication through the National Communication Policy was a positive development, particularly its emphasis on ensuring that Government institutions communicate with a unified voice.
“It's a good thing and, as a union, we can't take that for granted. We also want to urge our members to grab their space and utilise it in realising communication goals,” Wao said.
He further urged the government to protect and strengthen the communication industry by embracing unions representing professionals in the sector.
“Embracing KUPRECOMP as a union will ensure there is a structured way of engagement while also helping the Government deliver at its best,” he added.
The remarks come after Chief of Staff Felix Koskei directed Government departments to enhance the amplification of Government communication and messaging across all platforms based on agreed narratives.
Koskei directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to take primary responsibility for communicating policies, programmes, projects and initiatives falling under their respective mandates, in line with the latest Executive Order or its successors.
The directive further requires MDAs to develop and implement communication strategies and plans specific to their mandates and aligned with the National Communication Policy.
According to the directive, the strategies and plans should include clear articulation of policies, programmes, projects and initiatives; Crisis, Emergency and Risk (CER) communication protocols and plans; citizen and stakeholder engagement plans; public communication budgets; continuous media engagement frameworks; and measures to elevate public communication functions to ensure they receive adequate institutional support.
Wao said stronger collaboration between the Government and communication professionals would help create a more structured communication environment while improving the delivery and visibility of Government programmes.
The directive places greater responsibility on Government institutions to communicate directly and consistently with citizens and stakeholders while strengthening the role of communication professionals in public-sector engagement.
