Former police spokesman Charles Owino is set to return to government as the Director General of the newly established National Communication Centre, according to reliable sources. This new entity is being created to coordinate government communications more effectively.
The center, which will be based at Teleposta Towers, has been under development by Owino and a team of former journalists and government officials. It is expected to launch soon, with a focus on managing communications 24/7 across social media platforms and a newly created website. The goal is to centralize and streamline government messaging.
Owino’s appointment comes after his term as Chairman of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication ended last month, with Silas Otieno Jonyo replacing him. Insiders suggest that Owino enjoys support from State House as he assembles his team for the new role.
Despite the backing, some government officials within the communication sector are reportedly resisting the new center, feeling it might overshadow their current operations. However, Owino and his team have been consulting widely to ensure the center is both vibrant and effective, especially in light of recent Gen-Z protests, which have been attributed in part to inadequate government communication.
While Cabinet Secretaries will continue to serve as the main spokespersons for their departments, the new center is intended to complement and clarify government reports, ensuring that there is consistent and detailed communication on key issues.
