Public communicators have been urged to enhance their involvement in enlightening the citizenry on matters of national interest.
The Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo says public communications officers are the face of government and as such should be articulate while interacting with members of the public and conveying government messages.
“When someone seeking information about government interacts with you, you are the representative of government at that time. As a communications officer, you must understand that it is your responsibility to give accurate and verifiable information and be accountable for it”, Mr Omwoyo told Public Communications Officers during an executive training on Government Communications, Messaging and Media Relations organised by the Media Council of Kenya and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in Mombasa.
He urged the public communicators to embrace technology in the face of digital transformation, saying digital platforms have enhanced communication and “government is no exception”.
The MCK CEO advised the communications officers to create and cement strong relations with the media to ensure access to and timely dissemination of information.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Prof Edward Kisiang’ani underscored the critical role of public communication officers in bridging the gap between government entities and the public.
“As skilled communicators, you serve as the primary liaisons responsible for disseminating accurate and timely information to citizens, stakeholders and the media. In an era dominated by fast-paced digital media, public communication officers are instrumental in maintaining the public's trust through open and accessible communication channels, thus contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry”, said the PS in a speech read on his behalf by the Secretary for Administration at the State Department Ms Juliana Yiapan.
He said the training is timely as it comes at a time of discernible disconnect in news coverage of government matters, adding that it will help bridge the gap between information dissemination and public perception.
“As communication channels rapidly expand and public expectations evolve, public communicators must be adept in crafting effective messaging, managing reputations and engaging with the public across various platforms”, said Prof Kisiang’ani.
He revealed that plans to revamp the State Broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, and the country’s national news agency, Kenya News Agency were at advanced stages, and encouraged the public communicators to work closely with the two entities to leverage reach.
The training has brough together public communications officers from parastatals, Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies, Office of the President, Office of the Deputy President, the National Assembly and counties.