By Josiah Kariuki
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke has called for stronger and more coordinated government communication.
The PS said that citizens need timely, accurate and accessible information on public programmes and services.
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“Government communication should move beyond issuing announcements and press statements to actively informing and engaging citizens on policies, programmes and opportunities,” he said.
Speaking during an interview on KBC’s Good Morning Kenya, the PS said effective communication was critical to ensuring government programmes translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
He said the Government’s investments in digital infrastructure, connectivity and other programmes aimed at expanding digital opportunities would have greater impact if Kenyans were adequately informed about them and how they could benefit.
“Government communication must be guided by the needs and interests of the people,” Isaboke said, emphasising the need for clarity, transparency and timely access to information.
The PS also highlighted plans to establish the National Communication Centre (NCC), which is expected to serve as a central repository for government information and improve coordination of communication across ministries, departments and agencies.
The proposed centre is intended to address fragmented government messaging and provide citizens with a reliable source of verified information.
Isaboke said government communication should also be evidence-based, with information anchored on facts, figures and verifiable data.
He warned that information gaps could create room for misinformation and disinformation, particularly in an environment where information spreads rapidly through digital platforms.
According to Isaboke, accurate and consistent communication is essential to building public trust and enabling citizens to make informed decisions and participate in national development.
He also called for increased investment in government communication, including professional communicators, modern information systems and digital platforms capable of reaching citizens across the country.
Isaboke said communication should be treated as a strategic component of governance rather than a support function.
He further stressed the need for government to communicate promptly on its own affairs, arguing that delays in releasing official information could allow speculation and unverified narratives to take hold.
The PS said proactive communication would enable government agencies to provide verified information directly to the public while strengthening transparency and accountability.
