The Kenyan government has introduced a new policy aimed at enhancing communication for government projects and programs. According to Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke, the policy requires projects to include communication plans and resources from the outset. This move is expected to make communication an integral part of government programmes. The policy was announced on September 22, 2026.
The new policy seeks to harmonize government communication, establish a common source of information, and clarify the roles of officials and communication structures. Isaboke emphasized that communication is the lifeline of any government and must be embedded from the beginning of any project. Ministries will be required to demonstrate how they have communicated their projects and programmes to the public as part of performance management.
Under the new policy, communication will form part of performance management, with ministries required to show how they have communicated their projects to the public. Isaboke noted that previously, government communication had not kept pace with the scale of development programmes, with some projects receiving inadequate communication support. The policy aims to address this issue.
The policy will coordinate communication across various government offices, including the Presidency, Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, the Government Spokesperson, ministry communication officers, and National Government Administration officers. The Government Spokesperson will amplify official government positions, while Cabinet Secretaries will communicate policy within their ministries.
A National Communication Centre is planned to support coordination by providing real-time factual information and receiving feedback from the public. The policy also places greater emphasis on two-way communication, with citizens expected to receive information, ask questions, and provide feedback through public participation forums, digital platforms, and grassroots administration structures.
Isaboke highlighted the importance of effective government communication in the age of social media, where information, including misinformation and unverified claims, spreads rapidly. He cited communication during the El Niño weather phenomenon as an example, where technical agencies provide scientific information while communicators translate it into accessible language.
The PS emphasized that effective government communication requires continuous engagement with citizens, including responding to criticism and providing clear information on public programmes. He stressed the need for the government to over-communicate with citizens. The policy is expected to improve government communication and public engagement.
Key points
- The new policy requires government projects to include communication plans and resources from the outset.
- The policy aims to harmonize government communication and establish a common source of information.
- The policy places greater emphasis on two-way communication with citizens.
