By Courtesy
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) staff have been reminded that the Council’s reputation rests largely in their hands, with every interaction shaping public perception of the organisation.
Speaking at the MCK–PRSK Strategic Communication Competency Training Programme in Mombasa, the Council’s Chief Executive, Mr. David Omwoyo, emphasised that staff play a pivotal role in defining the regulator’s public image.
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“Many Kenyans will never meet senior management. They judge the Council by how you treat them. Your tone, language, and behaviour become their reality of MCK,” he said.
He urged employees to remain fully aware of the reputational weight carried by every encounter, noting that staff are the true face of the institution.
“As you go out there, remember that you are the face of the Council. People’s perceptions are often all they need to form a lasting opinion about the institution you represent,” he added.
Mr. Omwoyo encouraged staff to adopt a broader, more flexible approach to professional development, highlighting the changing nature of the job market and the growing demand for strategic generalists.
“Do not limit yourselves to one speciality. The world no longer rewards narrow specialisation. Become strategic generalists who can operate across different functions within an organisation,” he advised.
The Chief Executive also stressed the need to embrace emerging technological tools, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).
“AI is the present, not the future. You must embrace it and understand how to use it effectively to advance your work. Those who resist it will be left behind,” he stated.
The week-long training brought together MCK staff and members of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) for intensive sessions on strategic communication and crisis leadership, emotional intelligence, technical writing, and customer service in a regulatory environment; stakeholder mapping; social media strategy; and the ethical use of digital tools. Additional topics included proactive service delivery, ethical complaints handling, real-time digital crisis management, audience analysis, and communication measurement frameworks.
Particular emphasis was placed on integrating AI tools for research, sentiment analysis, and content development, reinforcing the importance of clarity, empathy, speed, and structured communication in all professional interactions.
