Naivasha: Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for prioritization and centralization of communication departments within government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for the benefit of the people. Speaking during the Ministry’s Media and Communication Training in Naivasha, Kagwe emphasized the importance of integrating communication departments into the structure of any CEO, highlighting the necessity for swift decision-making and the identification of Potential Publicity Points (PPP) to enhance public awareness.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kagwe pointed out that the media and communication training initiative was necessary to address gaps in government communication and to ensure compelling stories are shared with the public. He advocated for training as a foundational step to seize opportunities and tackle challenges within government communication, urging continuous capacity building to bridge the gap between learning and practical application.
Kagwe emphasized that routine activities within government offices, though mundane to those involved, can be intriguing stories to the public. He encouraged communicators to engage with leadership to uncover and share success stories, stressing the importance of proper planning and organization within government communication units to improve service delivery and attract additional resources, sponsors, and investors.
The Cabinet Secretary challenged media and communication professionals in the government to innovate and fulfill their mandate of informing and educating stakeholders, dispelling the notion that a lack of funds is a barrier to achieving goals. He stressed that ideas and the drive for excellence are crucial and achievable regardless of financial constraints.
Kagwe urged communicators to formulate plans, understand their audience, and focus on the interests of their audience when crafting stories. He also called for collaboration and unity in supporting ongoing government programs and defending the truth amidst circulating falsehoods.
He advised that communicators should organize and document their plans effectively, asserting that resources would be made available when there is a clear strategy in place. Kagwe cited his Ministry’s recent investment of Sh4 million in communication equipment as an example of commitment to enhancing communication capabilities.
Highlighting the opportunities within the communication sector, especially on social media platforms, Kagwe noted the potential for impact from any position within the government. He shared success stories from the Ministry of Agriculture, such as the recent World Farmers Organization Conference in Nairobi, which attracted over 1000 farmers globally, illustrating the potential for communicators to highlight and build on these successes.
