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PSC chairman Mr Stephen Kirogo giving his remarks during the meeting with Information and Communication task force

Public Service Commission Chairman, Mr. Stephen Kirogo on Tuesday 2nd April 2019 gave views on how Government should improve its Information and Communication function.

In a three-hour session with the Task force for Improvement of Government Information and Communications at the Public Service Commission main boardroom, the Chairman pointed out gaps in structure and positioning of the government communication function that needed to be addressed urgently.

He said the communication function is critical for government and must be “at the centre of government” in order to package government effectively.

“Government Communication function cannot be at the periphery and be expected to succeed,” said Kirogo.

He stressed that persons fit for the communication job must be appropriately deployed so as to effectively deliver, adding that the ability and capacity of those communicating must be considered.

The Chairman said that it is important for government to invest in the best, in terms of training, equipment and competence.

At the same time, he noted that while it is important for government to understand the usefulness of good communication, citizens also need to be properly educated on how to decipher information.

The Chairman said the Public Service Commission, in line with its mandate, will continue to support government Ministries, Departments and Agencies in improving the human resource function, to improve government image and service delivery.

He was flanked by Ag. Secretary/CEO Mr. Simon Rotich and Directors Cindy Songole, Joan Machayo and Simon Wachinga.

Taskforce Chairman Mr. David Makali thanked PSC Chairman for accepting their invitation at short notice, and the valuable inputs he had given the task force. He promised to schedule another meeting with the Chairman before finalizing their report.

Mr. Makali was accompanied by task force team members Browne Kutswa, Mbugua Njoroge, Noella Mutanda, Prof. Murej Mak’Ochieng, Paul Udoto, Abraham Mulwo, Gwaro Ogaro and Ruth Musembi.

The team, which is currently collecting views from Kenyans was constituted by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology Mr. Joe Mucheru in January 2018 through Gazette Notice No. 354.

It is tasked to look into all forms of Government communications, including systems, in a period of 90 days, with a view of aligning them with emerging public sector dynamics and expectations.