Communication professionals across the country have been urged to champion authentic, credible and transformative communication as Kenya navigates a rapidly evolving information landscape.
Speaking on Thursday during the closing session of the 20th Annual Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) Summit in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Principal Secretary State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke said the future of Communication, both in Kenya and across Africa, must be firmly anchored on trust and integrity.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Beyond Words: Authentic Communication that Shapes Tomorrow,” Isaboke noted that the Summit had given delegates a valuable opportunity to explore not only what is communicated, but how and why messages are crafted.
He emphasized that authentic communication requires aligning words with action, building credibility through consistency, and shaping a sustainable, truthful future.
“Communication today is more than a profession; it is a force that shapes societies, economies and leadership. Kenya needs communication that inspires action, where authenticity drives trust, and where stories shape the future,” he said.
The PS underscored the government’s recognition of communication professionals as key players in the national transformation agenda reiterating that the B&T State Department continues to expand access to information, strengthen training opportunities and advance policies that promote responsible, inclusive and credible communication.
Isaboke announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with PRSK, has completed the Public Relations and Communications Management (PRCM) Policy, a landmark framework that formalizes and elevates public relations practice across government, private sector and civil society.
He added that the policy sets the stage for establishing the Institute of Public Relations and Communications Management (IPRCM) once the Public Relations and Communications Management Bill which is currently before Parliament is enacted.
The PS revealed that the government is in the final stages of developing the National Communication Policy and Strategy and the Access to Information Policy. He further added that the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) and the Media Council of Kenya Act are being reviewed to align them with rapid technological changes.
“We are updating our communication laws and policies to reflect the realities of a rapidly changing digital environment so that Kenya remains responsive, innovative, and fully aligned with global communication standards,” the PS said.
Isaboke said the State Department is restructuring the Directorate of Information and Broadcasting to strengthen the Kenya News Agency (KNA) as the anchor institution for government communication in counties and sub-counties. Public Communication Officers are also being re-tooled to enhance their effectiveness.
He stressed the fact that the government has fully embraced emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and social media to scale its messaging, facilitate real-time engagement and better communicate national priorities.
Isaboke pointed out that, in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), communication efforts have intensified across priority sectors, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) through NYOTA and the Hustler Fund, the Affordable Housing Programme (Boma Yangu), Universal Health Coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy initiatives.
The PS urged communication practitioners to remain bold, truthful, creative and compassionate in their storytelling.
“Authentic communication begins with us, let every message you craft contribute to a more informed, connected and inspired Kenya,” he implored.
By Fredrick Maritim and Ekuwam Sylvester
