Sixty-seven newly recruited officers in Kenya's state department of broadcasting and telecommunications have reported to the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy headquarters to pick their appointment letters. The officers, who include information officers, photojournalists, and videographers, were among 100 who underwent a competitive recruitment exercise in August. The remaining 33 were absorbed in the Directorate of Public Communications. This new batch of officers is expected to boost service delivery in the information and communications sector.
The Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Temesi Mukani, welcomed the new officers and congratulated them on their appointment. He emphasized that their role is to disseminate news and information about government development programs and projects intended for the general public. Mukani urged the officers to plug into the media hubs domiciled in the counties and to write feature stories that have an impact on society. He also encouraged them to join press clubs and meet the threshold of local and global perspective in their content.
Mukani cautioned the officers to be mindful of their online presence, especially as the country heads towards the electioneering season. He advised them to avoid partisan political orientation and to serve in perpetuity without taking political sides. The Secretary also encouraged the officers to take advantage of the Civil Servants Housing Scheme, which offers a good opportunity to buy a house or land to build. He advised them not to run to banks for loans to buy land or take a mortgage.
The officers have joined the state department at an opportune time, as a majority of the serving officers are due for retirement, while a sizeable number have already exited service, leaving a gap in technical capacity. The new officers' entry is expected to be a major boost to service delivery. Director of Human Resources and Management Nancy Wachira appraised the officers about the Oath of Secrecy that binds them not to adversely expose their employer through the information they handle.
Wachira further advised the new officers to observe the official dress code and ensure they put on attire that lends decorum to their status. The officers were also encouraged to take advantage of scholarships offered through partnerships and bilateral agreements to grow their career through additional studies and training. Mukani assured them that their effort will be recognised and rewarded by the employer.
The induction ceremony took place at Telposta Towers, the headquarters of the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy. The new officers will be deployed to the Directorate of Information field offices. Mukani reiterated that the Ministry of ICT and the digital economy has the responsibility of keeping the journalism profession alive in the country.
The Kenya News Agency, a news wire service, will be working closely with the new officers. Mukani encouraged them to write feature stories that have an impact in society at large and to meet the threshold of local and global perspective. The officers are expected to work hard and diligently in their assignments, and their performance will be recognised and rewarded by the employer.
Key points
- 67 new information officers and photojournalists have been sworn in to boost service delivery in Kenya's state department of broadcasting and telecommunications.
