PS Isaboke hails government communicators for promoting awareness of government policies and projects
By Ian Chepkuto (KNA)
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke has commended government communicators for promoting government policies, programmes and development projects.
The PS urged Information Officers (IOs) and Public Communications Officers (PCOs) to intensify their effort to keep citizens informed through accurate and timely communication.
Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the Directorate of Information headquarters at Uchumi House in Nairobi, Isaboke highlighted the important role communicators play in government.
He said they bridge the gap between government and citizens by providing credible information on policy implementation and development progress across the country.
Isaboke noted that effective communication enables citizens to understand public policies and track the delivery of services.
“The work you do is very important because through your communication Kenyans are able to understand government policies, track ongoing projects and appreciate the progress being made in different parts of the country,” Isaboke said.
The Principal Secretary observed that as the government rolls out transformative programmes nationwide, communicators must ensure the public receives accurate information on project implementation, impact and benefits.
He particularly lauded the Kenya News Agency (KNA) for providing credible, verifiable and factual news coverage, saying its presence in all 47 counties has made it an important platform for documenting development at the grassroots.
“I appreciate what KNA is doing. Through your credible work, we are able to track and assess the government’s progress in implementing its programmes and projects. Your presence across the country is critical in ensuring that information reaches Kenyans,” he said.
However, Isaboke challenged officers to move beyond routine reporting and adopt a more analytical approach that explains the purpose of policies, progress of projects and the impact of government interventions on citizens' lives.
He cited KNA's coverage of the proposed Dangote East African Oil Refinery as an example of how development reporting helps the public understand the significance of major national projects.
The PS also called on government communicators to uphold the highest professional standards by prioritising accuracy, verification, impartiality and responsible reporting.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, Isaboke encouraged communicators to embrace emerging technologies, digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the reach, efficiency and relevance of their work.
“Government communicators must remain relevant by combining traditional reporting skills with digital storytelling, multimedia production and the responsible use of emerging technologies,” he said.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Temesi Mukani called for stronger collaboration among government communication units to enhance consistency, accuracy and timely dissemination of information on government policies and development programmes.