By Josiah Kariuki
The Government is working to strengthen access to timely and credible information as it seeks to improve public communication and address the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.
This was revealed by Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Motari Isaboke, who said that access to information was not only a constitutional right but also an important component of democratic governance, accountability and public participation, enabling citizens to make informed decisions about Government programmes, policies, services and opportunities.
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Speaking to journalist Fred Indimuli on the TV47 Kenya Breakfast Show as Kenya marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), the PS said Government institutions needed to communicate more effectively as the rapid growth of digital platforms continued to change how Kenyans accessed and shared information.
This year’s IDUAI theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder”, focuses attention on the growing challenge of ensuring that accurate and credible information remains accessible amid the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation and manipulated content.
Isaboke called for a coordinated communication framework across Government, advocating a “One Government, One Voice” approach to ensure consistency and clarity in messages issued by Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He said conflicting messages from different Government institutions could create confusion among citizens, making coordinated communication necessary to help the public understand Government priorities, policies and development programmes.
The PS said Kenya’s changing information environment also meant that Government could no longer rely solely on traditional communication channels to reach citizens.
With millions of Kenyans using social media and other digital platforms, he said public institutions needed to communicate through the channels where citizens increasingly obtain and share information, including social media networks, online platforms and mobile devices.
Isaboke also stressed the need for Government institutions to become more proactive in releasing information instead of waiting to respond to emerging issues.
Timely updates, factual clarification of issues and regular engagement with citizens, he said, could help close information gaps that are often exploited to spread false or misleading information.
Beyond addressing misinformation, the PS said effective Government communication was necessary to help citizens understand how public resources were being used, how Government programmes were affecting communities and what opportunities were available for participation in economic and social development.
He said clear and accessible communication could also help strengthen public trust by giving citizens reliable information on Government decisions and activities.
