Days after President William Ruto publicly complained about being a lonely voice in the country’s executive, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau convened a crucial meeting to help bridge the communication gap.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the Office of the Government Spokesperson indicated that chaired a significant strategic communications meeting at the State House.
During the meeting, Wanjau insisted on the need to share cordinated messages that property communicates various government agendas.
“The meeting aimed to ensure cohesive communication strategies on crucial policy matters, especially around the government’s taxation proposals, which are likely to affect various sectors and citizens. By bringing together a broad array of communication players, the meeting emphasized the need for clear, coordinated messaging that aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency as per Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act of 2016,” the statement read in part.
Moreover, Wanjau told the attendees on the need to use communication to build public trust in President Ruto’s administration.
She challenged the various stakeholders to play their key roles to ensure the public is well informed on pertinent issues in President Ruto’s administration.
“Furthermore, the strategic planning for the upcoming Cabinet retreat is indicative of the administration’s efforts to streamline communication, ensuring that the public is well-informed and engaged on key policy decisions. This initiative underscores the government’s resolve to maintain openness and foster public trust through effective dissemination of information,” the statement added.
The meeting brought together players in the communication sector, UDA Party Communications team, representatives from the national treasury, representatives from the ministry of interior, Office of Execution and Strategy, Presidential Special projects and other government officials.
Ruto’s complaint
Ruto came out to complain about the only one articulating government policies during the swearing-in of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
While throwing a subtle jab at the impeached DP Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto noted that he was lonely for 2 years.
“I need your intellect to help me and to help members of our cabinet to profile the things we are doing, to speak to the things that we are doing, I have almost become a lonely voice in the executive, especially in the presidency, speaking about our projects, speaking about our programs, elaborating on what we are doing.
“You are eloquent, my brother. You are intelligent, my brother, I am confident that you will do that, which I have missed for the last two years,” Ruto stated.
Ruto challenged his new deputy to ensure the government delivers on the promises it made to Kenyans.
That was not the first time Ruto admitted to a lack of proper communication in his government. After appointing the new Cabinet Secretaries, the Head of State also lamented over lack of proper communication insisting that it was among the leading causes of dissent in the country.
Ruto said his communication team may have failed to provide adequate information regarding some of the tax measures introduced in the Finance Bill 2024 which was rejected.
He noted that if he had been given a chance to explain the content of the Bill and its impact on the country’s economy, every Kenyan would have agreed with him.
“We did not explain ourselves better, I am sure my communication team failed, and our communication architecture did not deliver. The message did not get out to the people,” he stated.
This follow-up meeting brought together key communication heads from various departments, with a focus on the recently proposed taxation measures and preparations for an upcoming Cabinet retreat centered on strategic communication.
