The government has published a new National Communication Policy that directs how ministries, departments, and state agencies should communicate with Kenyans.
The framework focuses on timely, accurate, consistent, and accessible government information while creating common standards for official communication across public institutions.
The policy was published through Gazette Notices dated Friday, August 28, 2026. It establishes a framework to guide government communication across ministries, departments, and agencies.
Government Agencies to Coordinate Official Communication
Under the new National Communication Policy, government communication will be coordinated across ministries, departments, and agencies to eliminate conflicting official narratives, combat misinformation, and restore public trust.
The government will also be expected to communicate proactively instead of waiting for public concerns to escalate.
The approach aims to improve public awareness of government services, programs, and policies while ensuring citizens receive relevant information in good time.
The framework establishes common communication standards across government, allowing Kenyans to access clearer information about public programs, policies, and services regardless of the ministry or agency issuing the message.
New Rules for Crisis and Emergency Communication
The policy introduces a structured approach to crisis, emergency, and risk communication.
During emergencies, government agencies will be expected to provide timely and accurate information to help Kenyans understand developing situations and respond appropriately.
The framework also recognizes the growing importance of social media and other digital platforms in the way Kenyans consume news and government information.
As a result, government communication will increasingly use digital and new-media platforms alongside traditional channels such as television, radio, and newspapers.
Government to Seek Public Feedback
The National Communication Policy also establishes public feedback as an important component of government communication.
Rather than limiting communication to ministries providing information to citizens, the framework provides mechanisms for government institutions to receive feedback and strengthen public participation in governance.
The policy also seeks to improve professionalism within government communication by establishing clearer procedures and standards for officials and agencies responsible for providing information to the public.
Government agencies will further be required to make their communication accessible to different groups of citizens, helping more people understand policies, programs, and services that affect them.
State Department Given Coordination Role
The framework places coordination of the public communication function under the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications within the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy.
The arrangement is intended to provide greater coordination across government institutions and promote consistency in official communication.
The policy was developed through a consultative process involving government institutions and other stakeholders. It builds on recommendations made by the Taskforce on the Improvement of Government Information and Public Communication in 2019.
Policy Targets Greater Public Trust
The government says the new National Communication Policy aims to strengthen transparency, citizen engagement, and public trust.
By setting common standards for government communication, the framework seeks to ensure that Kenyans receive credible and timely information while having clearer opportunities to engage with public institutions and provide feedback.
The policy also positions digital communication, crisis updates, public participation, and accessible information as key components of how the government will communicate with citizens.
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