The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), William Kabogo, has encouraged communicators to reflect on how their work could drive genuine action rather than fleeting attention and how their stories could strengthen trust, build understanding and promote national unity.
The CS made the call in a keynote address delivered by Patricia Terer Ondeng, Secretary Public Communication, during the official opening ceremony of the 20th Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) Annual Summit, held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
He noted that this year’s summit running from 1st to 5th December with the theme, “Beyond Words: Authentic Communication that Shapes Tomorrow,” will inspire bold thinking, honest reflection and renewed commitment to the power of authentic communication.
“This year’s theme invites us to reflect deeply on what communication truly means in an age where messages travel faster than ever before. Authentic communication goes far beyond polished statements or clever slogans,” noted CS Kabogo.
“It demands that our actions reinforce our words, that our intentions match reality, and that the audiences we serve can trust not only what we say but also who we are. At a time when citizens expect transparency, truth and consistency, communication must rise above messaging and become a practice rooted in credibility and integrity,” he added.
He acknowledged the immense responsibility carried by the communicators in terms of shaping narratives, guiding public understanding and often standing as the voice of reason during moments of uncertainty.
He underscored the key role played by public communication which influences how institutions are perceived and how society responds to change, noting that trust remains the foundation of all relationships, and once broken, it is difficult to restore. This is what makes the profession indispensable to national cohesion and progress.
The CS commended PRSK for its leadership and for nurturing a profession that continues to grow in influence and relevance.
Kabogo affirmed the government’s value to communication as a bridge between policy and public understanding-an essential link that ensures citizens not only receive information, but also feel seen, heard and part of the national journey.
He said this rationale has informed the reform agenda of the government, including the National Communication Policy, which is in its final stages, the Government Communication Strategy 2024-2027, which has already been approved, and the approved Public Relations and Communications Management Policy, which has raised the standards of public communication across the entire sector.
In addition to these policies, is the Public Relations and Communications Management Bill, now in its final phase, which will anchor professionalism and ethics in law, supporting the aspiration for One Government, One Voice.
Kabogo noted that the world has embarked on an era defined by digital transformation which has changed the information landscape, where Artificial Intelligence, real-time analytics, and digital platforms have reshaped how information is consumed and understood.
He urged communicators to utilize technology to elevate their storytelling, not dilute the integrity that underpins it, while at the same time upholding strong values that prioritize accuracy, fairness and responsibility.
“Even with these new tools, the enduring value of factual, accurate and well-interpreted information remains unchanged. At a time when deep fakes, misinformation and manipulated content circulate with unprecedented speed, communicators now stand as guardians of truth,” noted CS Kabogo.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
