Kenya Yearbook to create one-stop shop for government publications

Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo (fourth left) and various dignitaries during the launch of the Kenya Yearbook Strategic Plan on Thursday last week.

The Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) will create a one-stop shop for government publications and develop relevant content on the successes of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

This is according to the institution’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028 unveiled last week on Thursday in Nairobi, which will guide KYEB’s activities in the next five years.

The Plan outlines various strategic goals that the Board will focus on during this period as it seeks to become a one-stop shop for all government publications.

“The strategic goals that the Board will focus on during this period are improve access to information and communication services, adopt citizen-driven practices and strengthen institutional capacity and create adaptive platforms to grow the voice of government and the people,” the Plan notes.

The Strategic Plan prioritises publishing for public interest, enhancing brand awareness and achieving financial sustainability.

Mr Eliud Owalo, the former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, who launched the document, said KYEB plays a crucial role asthe repository of government achievements, programmes and initiatives.

“As a Ministry, we rely on KYEB for content creation. We look forward to the institution becoming the sole government publisher,” Mr Owalo said, adding that the Ministry is working on solidifying KYEB’s legal mandate. According to him, KYEB has become a source of quality publishing and communication solutions.

“This strategic document will provide a roadmap for its communication initiatives. It is particularly urgent now, more than ever, when there is a great need for deeper government-citizen engagement,” he said.

Prof Edward Kisiang’ani, the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting, stated that the Ministry has made suggestions to help restructure Kenya Yearbook and make it a more vibrant institution.

“These efforts are ongoing and align with this Strategic Plan,” he said.

Eng. John Tanui, the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, noted that Kenya Yearbook has an opportunity to bridge the gap in government communication.

“Through this Strategic Plan, Kenya Yearbook must ensure government achievements, initiatives, and projects are well communicated,” he said.

“If we implement this Strategic Plan effectively, we are looking forward to a transformed approach to government content generation and communication,” he added.

KYEB chairperson Wangui Ng’ang’a said the institution would document government activities and serve the people of Kenya fairly and impartially.

“We will work with other corporations and ministries to better the country,” she noted.

KYEB CEO Lilian Kimeto.

Ms Lilian Kimeto, KYEB CEO, outlined the institution’s plans to drive four strategic programmes in the next five years.

“We will digitise our publications targeting the youth, deepen our digital communication model, enhance our business model and optimise citizen-driven practices in meeting publishing and communication needs,” Ms Kimeto said.

Mr David Omwoyo, the CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, pledged to collaborate with KYEB to improve government communication.

“In line with our recent Memorandum of Understanding, we will work together to further our respective mandates in developing and implementing a multifaceted approach to enhancing communication and media expertise in the country,” he said.

Huduma Kenya Ag. CEO Mugambi Njeru said the institution’s infrastructure, which serves over 60,000 people daily, is available to Kenya Yearbook to ensure government communication reaches everyone.

Other dignitaries present during the launch included Mr Thomas Wasonga, the Coordinator Public Events, Office of the President, Mr Sande Oyolo, the Chief Officer for Digital

Economy and Startups at Nairobi City Council and also KYEB’s former Board Chair and Mr Denis Chebitwey, the founding KYEB CEO.

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