Kenya Orders Unified Government Communication to Curb Contradictory Messaging

Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan government has directed all ministries and state corporations to align their public communications after conflicting statements about the future of thousands of health workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program caused confusion.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, speaking through his deputy Amos Gathecha at a digital communication forum, said contradictory messages erode public trust and fuel misinformation. He stressed that all social media posts and official statements must be vetted for accuracy and consistency, and that digital platforms should reflect government policy inclusively.

The directive follows a controversy where Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale assured that UHC workers would be absorbed into the public service, while Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga issued a letter seeking verification of their contracts. Oluga later clarified that his letter did not contradict Duale’s position.

Koskei’s office emphasized that adopting a unified communication strategy will strengthen service delivery and reduce confusion. Analysts note that Kenya’s fast-growing internet access has intensified the importance of message control, making coordination critical for effective governance.

Past incidents, such as conflicting announcements on tax policies and security operations, have sparked public backlash. The new guidelines are designed to instill discipline among government communicators and ensure citizens receive timely, accurate, and transparent updates.