Ex-Police Spokesperson Charles Owino Appointed Head of National Communications Centre

Former police spokesman Charles Owino has been appointed Director General of the newly established National Communications Centre.

The NCC, a new government entity formed to coordinate government communications, is based at the Teleposta Towers where the Ministry of ICT is domiciled.

Owino, a few former journalists and government officials have been building the centre to coordinate all communication activities on a 24-hour basis using all forms of social media channels and even their website being created.

Owino’s appointment was made silently even as his term as the chairman of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication ended.

The term came to an end last month and Silas Otieno Jonyo was appointed to replace Owino.

Insiders said Owino has the backing of State House to build his team.

“The issue is now in last stages and will be rolled out soon,” said an official aware of the developments.

There are, however reports of resistance from some government officials within the communication sector who feel the new centre is coming to take over their operations.

Owino and his team have been consulting widely on how they can make the centre more vibrant and effective in the wake of the Gen-Z protests, which have been blamed on a lack of proper communication.

The president demanded the need to have one voice.

“The CS’ will remain the main spokesperson of their departments. The new center will be there to complement what the government has reported. The center will explain in details on what is happening,” said an insider.

In the other appointments, president William Ruto appointed seven members to constitute a Selection Panel that will recruit the Vice-Chairperson and members of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

This is in line with the law that requires the PSC to consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and members appointed by the President with the approval of National Assembly.

The seven members include Arthur Osiya, Oscar Eredi, Prof. Nura Mohammed, Grace Wairimu Kamau, Ruth Wambeti Ruraa, Nancy M. Butama, and Elizabeth Chesang.