Kenya Police Service commissions strategic communications office

Against this backdrop, the Kenya Police Service has established a fully fledged Strategic Communications Office at Police Headquarters, Vigilance House, Nairobi, to strengthen how it engages with the public.

The office is expected to enhance the Service’s capacity to communicate proactively through traditional and digital platforms, while supporting community safety, public awareness and engagement.

Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud K. Lagat said effective communication had become a critical component of modern policing, particularly in strengthening the relationship between officers and the communities they serve.

“Communication is now a critical pillar of modern policing. You cannot be an efficient police officer if you cannot communicate effectively. Our communication must strengthen the link between the police and the people we serve. Every message we put out must reflect the values, professionalism and integrity of the Kenya Police Service,” Lagat said during the launch.

The new office is intended to shift the Service from largely reactive communication to a more proactive, continuous and coordinated approach that responds to the public’s information needs.

Lagat said effective communication would also support community policing by encouraging dialogue, trust and cooperation between police officers and members of the public.

“We must listen to criticism and feedback alike. We must constantly improve. We, however, never seem to have enough time, coverage or platforms to simply appreciate the good work being done by police men and women across this country,” he said.

The communications structure will be staffed by police officers with professional expertise in communication, enabling the Service to develop content tailored to policing operations and the security concerns of different communities.

“These platforms will be only as strong as the communications experts who run and manage them. The people best placed to tell this story are the women and men whose boots walk this journey every day, across communities and in the line of duty,” Lagat said.

Senior police officers also reviewed revamped communication products, including the Kenya Police Review, a publication highlighting policing initiatives, community service and the experiences of officers across the country.

The new communications office is expected to strengthen the Service’s public engagement as policing increasingly intersects with digital platforms, rapid information flows and evolving public expectations.