Government Launches National Communication Policy to Combat Misinformation and Enhance Public Trust

The Kenyan government has rolled out the National Communication Policy aimed at fostering coordinated and proactive communication among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This initiative targets the reduction of misinformation, conflicting narratives, and aims to strengthen public confidence in government information.

Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, emphasized that the policy will ensure the government speaks with a single, unified voice. In a circular, he directed MDAs to adopt proactive communication strategies to clearly convey government policies and programmes, especially during crises and emergencies.

Key Directives Under the Policy

• MDAs are to take direct responsibility for communicating their policies and initiatives.
• Cabinet Secretaries and agency heads must lead communication efforts within their institutions.
• Development of comprehensive communication strategies including crisis and risk communication protocols is mandatory.
• Communication plans and risk mitigation strategies must be integrated from the outset of major government projects.
• Government communication platforms such as national broadcasters, official websites, and social media should be fully utilized.
• The State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications will operationalize the National Communication Centre as the central hub for government information.
• The National Crisis Communication Standing Committee will oversee communication during emergencies.

The policy also calls for communication plans to be part of government performance contracts, requiring measurable communication outputs aligned with each MDA’s mandate.

This comprehensive approach aims to close gaps in government messaging, prevent external misinformation, and ensure timely, accurate public information dissemination nationwide.