Government spokesperson to be unveiled in 2 weeks – CS Owalo

By Remie OTIENO

The government is hopeful to have a spokesperson in the next two weeks, according to the ICT and digital economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, who blamed the protracted process on “internal technical delays.”

“The process had stalled midstream for lack of a competent Kenyan national to fill the critical position,” confirmed CS Owalo in a round-table meeting with the local media, Monday.

The new office holder – previously held by Cyrus Oguna, will be in charge of all government communication channels who must be a Kenyan citizen, hold a bachelor’s degree in media-related fields from a recognized university, and have worked as a media or communication practitioner for at least 15 years.

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The Public Service Commission (PSC) had initiated the process of replacing former government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna as earlier as February this year but lack of a suitable candidate from the applicants had seen the process put on hold, albeit momentarily.

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According to a public notice, dated Tuesday, February 7, the next government spokesperson will receive a monthly salary of KES 970,000, inclusive of a basic pay ranging from KES 292,000 to KES 576,000, as well as numerous benefits, such as house and entertainment allowances, a leave allowance, and medical cover, which total more than KES 400,000.

PSC added, “The applicant must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the national development goals, policies, and objectives, including the government’s transformation agenda.”

The duties of the government spokesperson include communicating government policies and initiatives to the public through various media channels.

Cyrus Oguna served as the government spokesperson from May 7, 2019, and was a key official under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He rose to prominence as the head of the Kenya Defence Force Public Affairs Office and spokesman for the KDF during Operation Linda Nchi.

He played a crucial role in providing updates on the war in Somalia, thus giving the KDF a public image.

In October 2022, Oguna stepped down from the position to serve as the Chief of Staff for Siaya Governor James Orengo.

As PSC noted, “We are seeking a candidate who has a strong background in media and communication and is able to communicate government policies, programs, and initiatives effectively to the public.”

In October last year, the current Siaya County Governor James Orengo appointed retired Colonel Cyrus Oguna as his Chief of Staff.

“Pursuant to article 179 (2) (b) I have nominated the following persons to serve as members of the County Executive Committee subject to vetting and confirmation by the County Assembly of Siaya. Attached are also persons I have nominated to serve in the Office of the Governor,” Orengo wrote on his Twitter handle at the tgime.

Colonel Oguna took over from Eric Kiraithe who had been serving in the position since August 2018.