Draft IPRAC Bill 2023
The proposed Public Relations and Communication Management Act — landmark legislation to recognise, regulate and professionalise PR and communication practice in Kenya through the Institute of Public Relations and Communication Management (IPRAC).
Draft IPRAC Bill 2023
Official text · PDF · Republic of Kenya — open in viewer or download below
An Act of Parliament to establish IPRAC and regulate PR practice in Kenya
The Draft Public Relations and Communication Management Bill provides for the establishment of the Institute of Public Relations and Communication Management (IPRAC) and the Public Relations and Communication Management Professionals Examinations Board. It sets the legal framework for the conduct of these bodies, promotes and regulates the practice of public relations and communication management, and prescribes professional standards, examinations, registration, discipline and ethics.
Once enacted, the Bill transforms the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) — the umbrella body for PR professionals since 1971 — into a statutory, self-regulating Institute fully backed by law, equipped to enforce ethics, accredit training and protect the public.
What the Bill does
Establishes the Institute
Creates the Institute of Public Relations and Communication Management (IPRAC) as a body corporate, headquartered in Nairobi, with chapters across the country.
Membership & Registration
Defines membership categories — full members, associates, students and honorary fellows — and the register of recognised practitioners.
Examinations Board
Establishes the PRCM Professionals Examinations Board to set syllabi, conduct examinations and accredit training providers.
Practising Certificates
Introduces a Registration Committee to issue annual practising certificates — making PR a regulated, certifiable profession.
Discipline & Ethics
Sets up a Disciplinary and Ethics Committee with powers to investigate misconduct, hear complaints and enforce the Code of Conduct.
Governance & Funding
Provides for the Council, the President of the Institute, a CEO, financial provisions, audits and parliamentary accountability.
A turning point for the profession
Kenya has a vibrant PR and communication industry, but it lacks a legal framework to regulate practice, enforce ethics and assure quality of training. The IPRAC Bill closes that gap — strengthening the integrity of public communication, protecting citizens, and elevating Kenyan practitioners to global standards.
- Anchors PR and communication management in law as a regulated profession in Kenya.
- Protects the public from quackery and unethical communication practice.
- Aligns Kenya with international peers (PRSA, CIPR, Global Alliance) on regulation.
- Operationalises Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016.
- Sets uniform standards of training, examination and continuous professional development.
- Enforces a binding Code of Ethics with disciplinary consequences.
- Strengthens reputation, trust and accountability of communication in public and private sectors.
- Creates a clear career pathway from student to trainee to fully certified professional.
Inside the Bill
Preliminary
Short title and interpretation of key terms used throughout the Bill.
The Institute
Establishment, functions, Council, President, CEO, staff, powers and membership categories.
Examinations Board
Constitution and functions of the Examinations Board, entry requirements and trainee status.
Practising Certificate & Registration
Registration Committee, application, qualification, the Register and proceedings under the Act.
Disciplinary Provisions
Disciplinary Committee, definition of professional misconduct, complaints, inquiry, findings and appeals.
Financial Provisions
Funds of the Institute, annual estimates, accounts and audit.
Miscellaneous
Offences and related general provisions.
Transitional Clauses
Enactment, transition from PRSK to IPRAC and declarations by the Cabinet Secretary.
The Bill works for everyone
Practitioners
Legal recognition, protected title, certified standing and a clear progression pathway.
Employers
A reliable register of qualified, ethical professionals to hire and contract with confidence.
Students & Trainees
Accredited curricula, recognised examinations and structured entry into the profession.
The Public
Recourse against malpractice and assurance of ethical, accurate communication.
Read the policy framework
The Draft IPRAC Policy 2023 sets the national direction this Bill operationalises.