Public Relations Society of Kenya
8–12 June 2026Communication Management MasterclassLive15–19 June 2026Risk, Leadership and Governance in Public Relations22–26 June 2026Strategic Communication & Stakeholder Engagement6–10 July 2026Crisis Communication Masterclass20–24 July 2026Digital PR & Social Media Strategy10–14 August 2026Media Relations & Spokesperson Training7–11 September 2026Measurement, Evaluation and PR Analytics8–12 June 2026Communication Management MasterclassLive15–19 June 2026Risk, Leadership and Governance in Public Relations22–26 June 2026Strategic Communication & Stakeholder Engagement6–10 July 2026Crisis Communication Masterclass20–24 July 2026Digital PR & Social Media Strategy10–14 August 2026Media Relations & Spokesperson Training7–11 September 2026Measurement, Evaluation and PR Analytics
Resources · National Policy

Draft IPRAC Policy 2023

The national policy framework that underpins the Institute of Public Relations and Communication Management (IPRAC) — defining Kenya's vision for a regulated, ethical and professional PR and communication sector.

Draft IPRAC Policy 2023

Ministry of Information, Communications & the Digital Economy · November 2022

Download PDFOpen in new tab
About the Policy

A national framework for professional, ethical communication

The Public Relations and Communication Management (PRCM) Policy provides the framework Kenya needs to develop a statutory, self-regulating Institute that serves as the centre of information for all matters concerning PR and communication practice. It articulates why regulation is needed, what standards must be upheld, and how government, the Institute and practitioners should work together.

The policy is operationalised through the Public Relations and Communication Management Bill, which transforms the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) — the umbrella body since 1971 — into the statutory Institute of Public Relations and Communication Management (IPRAC).

Policy Highlights

What the Policy delivers

Policy Framework

Sets the national direction for the PR and communication management profession in Kenya, anchored in the Constitution.

Objectives & Principles

Articulates the goals, guiding principles and outcomes of professionalising and regulating the sector.

Standards of Practice

Anchors competency, ethics and continuous professional development across public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Stakeholder Roles

Clarifies the roles of Government, the Institute, practitioners, training providers and the public.

The challenges it addresses

  • Lack of a legal framework regulating how PR & communication professionals practice.
  • No mechanism to enforce a code of conduct for PRCM professionals.
  • Inconsistent standards in training, education and accreditation.
  • Industry exposed to manipulation and reputational damage from unqualified actors.
  • Gaps in implementing Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016.

Strategies & objectives

  • Initiate a legislative framework for PRCM practice through the IPRAC Bill.
  • Transform PRSK into a statutory Institute of Public Relations and Communication Management (IPRAC).
  • Charge the new Institute with operationalising the IPRAC Act once enacted.
  • Establish accreditation systems and a binding code of conduct for members.
  • Build human capital through professional training and standardised examinations.
  • Promote research, publications and thought leadership in the discipline.
Implementation

Roles & responsibilities

Government of Kenya

Provide policy direction, an enabling environment and oversight through the Cabinet Secretary.

The Institute (IPRAC)

Regulate practice, enforce ethics, register practitioners and represent the profession nationally and internationally.

Examinations Board

Develop syllabi, conduct examinations, accredit training institutions and assure quality.

Practitioners & Public

Uphold standards in public and private sector communication; the public benefits from ethical, accurate communication.

History

The journey to IPRAC

  1. 1955

    First PR consultancy established in East Africa — Dunford Hall & Partners.

  2. 1971

    Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) founded as the umbrella body for PR professionals.

  3. 1975

    Kenya hosts the first All Africa Public Relations Conference in Nairobi.

  4. 2015

    Kenya hosts the Global Alliance's World Conference on Public Relations in Emerging Economies.

  5. 2022

    Ministry publishes the Draft Public Relations and Communication Management Policy.

  6. 2023+

    Drive towards transforming PRSK into a statutory Institute (IPRAC) backed by an Act of Parliament.

Document previewOpen full screen

Read the legislative text

The Draft IPRAC Bill 2023 is the legal instrument operationalising this policy.

View IPRAC Bill 2023

Have feedback on the Draft IPRAC Policy?

Contact PRSK