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A 19-member taskforce appointed to study the status of government communication function has proposed that the government should publish a free newspaper that will reach every corner of the country. 

 Taskforce  chair David Makali said the move will help the government disseminate information to the public widely, efficiently and timely and win public trust.

Sharp reactions

 “One of the recommendations is to revamp and rebrand MyGov to be a free stand-alone newspaper to be distributed across the country to reach all people at the grassroots,” he said.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Joe Mucheru hinted that the recommendation for the government to have its own newspaper might elicit sharp reactions from the media players and investors.

“Though I have not read the report, the chairman has said we set up our own newspaper and distribute it for free. It would be interesting to hear what media react to that,” said Mucheru.

The government has in the past tried publishing a newspaper to push its agenda with the defunct Kenya Today being the last such publication.

In the report dubbed ‘Winning Public Trust’, the government communication was described as poisoned and out of touch with the citizens.

To address these issues, the taskforce recommended also the creation of Government Communication and Information Service to be headed by a Director General who will double as Government Spokesperson.

Makali also noted the need to revitalise KBC by restructuring it and providing full funding from the exchequer.