The National Treasury has emerged as the best-performing ministry in government communication, according to outgoing Government Spokesman Dr. Isaac Mwaura, who says effective communication is critical in building public trust and helping citizens understand government policies and programmes.
Speaking during his handover after serving for two years and 10 months as Government Spokesman, Dr. Mwaura said ministries, state departments and agencies that communicate clearly are better placed to explain government decisions, counter misinformation and demonstrate the impact of public programmes on the lives of Kenyans.
Dr. Mwaura singled out the National Treasury as the top-performing ministry, commending Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for simplifying complex economic and fiscal issues into language that ordinary citizens can easily understand.
He said the Treasury has made economic communication more accessible through regular media briefings and simplified explanations of budget measures, tax policies, public debt management and economic recovery interventions.
“Treasury has demonstrated that even highly technical economic information can be communicated in a way that citizens can relate to. The ability to simplify without losing accuracy is a major strength,” Dr. Mwaura said.
The Ministry of Health was ranked second for maintaining consistent public communication despite operating under challenging circumstances, including health financing pressures, disease outbreaks, concerns raised by health workers and ongoing reforms in the health sector.
Dr. Mwaura noted that the ministry had kept the public informed through regular updates on health programmes, vaccination campaigns, digital health reforms and emergency response measures.
The Ministry of Agriculture was ranked third, with Dr. Mwaura praising its sustained communication on programmes targeting farmers, food production and agricultural transformation.
He said the ministry had effectively utilised both mainstream and digital platforms to disseminate information on fertiliser subsidies, crop support initiatives, irrigation projects and food security interventions across the country.
Among state departments, the State Department for Internal Security was recognised as the best performer. Dr. Mwaura commended Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo for ensuring timely and coordinated communication on national security, disaster response, public safety and government operations.
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development, under Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, was also recognised for effectively communicating the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, including its objectives, progress, employment opportunities and economic benefits.
The State Department for Public Health, led by Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, received recognition for maintaining strong public engagement on preventive healthcare, disease surveillance, community health services and health promotion campaigns.
Dr. Mwaura also praised the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, headed by Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, for consistently engaging Kenyans living abroad through communication on diaspora investment opportunities, consular services, labour mobility programmes and the protection of the rights and welfare of Kenyans overseas.
In the agencies category, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) emerged as the best communicator, with Dr. Mwaura citing its regular updates on road infrastructure projects, traffic management, travel advisories and highway developments.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) was ranked second for effectively communicating developments at the Port of Mombasa, including expansion projects, cargo handling performance and initiatives aimed at improving regional trade and logistics.
For constitutional commissions and independent offices, Dr. Mwaura identified the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) as the leading institution in public communication, saying it had consistently advanced conversations on gender equality, inclusion, disability rights and the protection of vulnerable groups while encouraging public participation.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Mwaura said one of the key lessons he had learnt was that government communication should be proactive rather than reactive.
He said effective communication bridges the gap between government policy and public understanding, helping to reduce speculation while enhancing transparency and accountability.
As he concluded his tenure, Dr. Mwaura expressed confidence that the progress made in strengthening government communication would continue, calling on public institutions to embrace strategic communication as a tool for transparency, inclusion, national cohesion and public confidence.
He said a well-informed citizenry remains essential to the success of democratic governance and effective public service delivery.
