MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Quarter Two : Issue One

In this Issue

• Public Engagement and PR
• PR@360o Students Career & Mentorship Courses
• Networking Events

Public Engagement and PR
As Kenya puts the electioneering process behind her, let us join fellow Kenyans in celebrating the election of new Leaders into the various constitutional offices. There is much to be grateful for especially the attainment of a peaceful pre and post election season.

As the new government assumes office and embarks on matters of nation building and development, it is a good time for us to renew our energy and focus on what we wish to achieve in 2013.  However, before sharing the menu of activities projected for the year, allow me to make a few comments on the just concluded election.

I am aware that a number of our members serve in organisations that are very much involved in the constitution dispensation process.  Your contribution to professionalism, often under immense pressure, has not gone unnoticed.  I am certain that your experiences will inform future case studies and scholarly work on the role of Public Relations and Communication Management in the public sphere.  I salute you all.     

Let us also join hands in congratulating some of our members who were elected in leadership positions i.e. Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, Senator, Nyeri County and Hazel Katana, Deputy Governor, Mombasa County.  We wish you every success in your respective roles.

As stated in my last message, I see numerous opportunities beckoning at our profession as the country transits into a devolved governance structure.  How we prepare for these opportunities is what is likely to make a difference and get us noticed.

The Executive Committee has therefore taken great care in devising a training and events calendar that resonates well with areas that we perceive as critical in preparing our members across the divide to cope with changing realities, not just at the professional level, but the country’s socio-economic dynamics.

PR@360o Students Career & Mentorship Courses
The first session of these courses took place last month at the Daystar University.  This month we interact with Universities of Nairobi and Karatina.  By end year, we hope to reach as many students in as many campuses nationally. The desired outcome of this initiative is to get the senor practitioner impact experiential knowledge and skills where and when it matters most.  There is no doubt that the PR profession has gained momentum and the market is adjusting to its importance.  The need for talent development and career preparedness therefore cannot be gainsaid.  Should you wish to share your experiences and/or sponsor a program in any campus, please let us know.

Continuous Professional Develop Courses
Thanks to all of you who went to support our brothers at the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) as they hosted the March EAPRA conference in Kampala.  Remember to register your CPD points with the Secretariat.

Focus now shifts to Addis for the premier All Africa Public Relations & Strategic Communication Summit hosted under the aegis of the African Union from 8th -10th May.  If in need of a personalised invitation letter to progress organisational support, again, please contact the Secretariat.

On the local scene, special emphasis has been laid on workshops around new realities in PR performance that include PR and New Media, Stakeholder Relations & Issues Management, PR Measurement & Evaluation, PR Business Skills and Financial Management Skills for PR professionals.   We look forward to your support.

Networking Events
Do not miss out on this year’s Penta Challenge, Annual Dinner and look out for the 2013 PRSK Awards for Excellence guidelines coming your way soon.  On ad hoc basis, we also plan to engage with industry as well as national leaders on topical issues.  Details will be brought to you as we secure the speakers.

For details on the full training and events calendar, please click here.

We encourage your comments on any area that you feel we need to address including suggestions on more ways to keep you involved and engaged with your Society. 

Thank you and God bless you all.

Kentice Tikolo
Chair