Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for the strengthening and prioritisation of communication departments across government ministries, departments and agencies, saying effective communication is essential for improving public engagement and service delivery.
Speaking during a media and communication training workshop for ministry officials in Naivasha, Kagwe noted that many government institutions undertake impactful programmes and projects that often go unnoticed because they are not communicated effectively to the public.
The CS argued that communication departments should be treated as key pillars of government leadership and administration, as they play a critical role in informing citizens, building awareness and enhancing public understanding of government programmes.
According to Kagwe, many public officers fail to recognise the value of the work they do because it has become part of their daily routine. However, he said the same activities often contain stories and achievements that are important to wananchi and deserve wider publicity.
He challenged communication professionals in government to become more proactive in identifying and sharing positive stories from their institutions. Kagwe said strategic communication can help government agencies attract support, partnerships, investment opportunities and even additional funding for programmes that benefit the public.
The Agriculture CS also stressed the importance of training and continuous capacity building among communication officers. He described professional development as a key step towards addressing challenges that have affected government communication over the years.
Kagwe further encouraged public communicators to embrace innovation and make greater use of digital platforms to reach wider audiences. He noted that social media and modern communication tools present significant opportunities for government institutions to engage citizens directly and effectively.
At the same time, he called for greater collaboration and unity among communication teams, urging them to support ongoing government programmes and counter misinformation through factual and timely communication.
The CS emphasised the need for proper planning, saying communication departments should develop clear and well-documented strategies outlining their objectives and priorities. According to him, strong planning often makes it easier for institutions to secure the resources needed to implement communication programmes.
Kagwe dismissed the notion that lack of funding should be a barrier to progress, encouraging communication officers to focus on creativity and making the most of available resources. He cited recent investments by his ministry in communication equipment as part of efforts to strengthen information dissemination.
He urged public servants to move away from complacency and embrace a results-oriented approach, saying communication professionals have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on governance, public awareness and national development.
Kagwe maintained that stronger communication structures will help bridge the gap between government institutions and wananchi while improving transparency, accountability and trust in public service delivery.
