The National Assembly’s Communication, Innovation, and Information Committee is currently reviewing the Public Relations and Communication Management Bill.

The proposed law seeks to elevate the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) by converting it into an institute – to be governed by a council, with inherent powers to punish non-compliant practitioners.

On Wednesday, August 14, key professional bodies, including the PRSK, the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), appeared before the committee to express their support for the Bill.

While these organizations backed the proposed legislation, concerns were raised by several legislators regarding the specifics of its implementation.

The bill will make it an offence for someone to offer public relations services without proper certification.

The primary issues centered on the criteria for qualification, the certification and licensing of professionals, the role of the proposed institute in providing training, and how the Bill would contribute to reshaping Kenya’s public narrative.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie emphasized on the importance of clear standards in professional qualifications, saying, “It’s crucial that we establish stringent criteria for those who will be licensed under this Bill. We need to ensure that the individuals representing our nation in public relations and communication are held to the highest standards.”

Mbooni MP Erastus Kivasu raised questions about the institute’s role in offering training, noting, “Training is essential if we are to elevate the standards of public relations in this country. We must be clear on whether this Bill mandates the Institute to provide training or if it will simply oversee certification.”

Baringo Woman Rep. Florence Jematiah expressed concerns about the Bill’s potential impact on the nation’s narrative and its ability to prevent future crises.

“We need to ask ourselves how this Bill will help change the narrative of our country. Can it prevent the kinds of communication failures that have left our nation in turmoil in the past?” she questioned.

The Committee’s deliberations are expected to continue, with further scrutiny on how the Bill will address these concerns and contribute to the professionalization of Public Relations and Communication Management in Kenya.

The outcome of the Bill is expected to shape the future of the industry and its role in national development.