2021 was the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic and some of the best communicators were medical practitioners whose excellent communication skills helped us navigate the turbulent year.
The year brought into focus the importance of communication at an individual and corporate level and our analysis included some organisations that played critical roles during the pandemic – some of which are going to be key in 2022 as the country enters its electoral season.
As usual, our list is certain to generate robust debate and it is our hope that readers will use the communication takeaways and examples to grow their own communication skills.
Best communicators 2021 was the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic and some of the best communicators were medical practitioners whose excellent communication skills helped us navigate the turbulent year.
The year brought into focus the importance of communication at an individual and corporate level and our analysis included some organisations that played critical roles during the pandemic – some of which are going to be key in 2022 as the country enters its electoral season.
As usual, our list is certain to generate robust debate and it is our hope that readers will use the communication takeaways and examples to grow their own communication skills.
Dr Loice Achieng Ombajo – Calm, knowledgeable, connecting
A physician and infectious disease specialist, Dr Ombajo stood out at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. When little was known about the new disease, she became a regular face on TV speaking to a panicked populace as she provided insights on the transmission, management and prevention of the disease. Her ability to turn complex medical terms into easy to understand concepts enhanced her connection with audiences. Her conversational cadence and calm mien provided assurance. Even during animated prime time interviews, she remained unruffled. Dr Ombajo stands out as a professional who has mastered the art of deploying communication as a tool to advance critical messages in times of crisis.
Dr Rose Mutiso – Communicating research
Dr Rose Mutiso
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Dr Mutiso is not only an energy researcher and co-founder of the Mawazo Iinstitute, she is also a policy advocate on energy, innovation and the environment.
She has managed to escape from the “prison of technicality” that holds captive so many experts. She has been able to package and mainstream her technical knowledge into content for audiences lacking in her expertise.
Justice Joel Ngugi – Law doesn’t have to be complicated
Justice Joel Ngugi delivers the judgment on eight consolidated petitions challenging the proposed BBI referendum at the High Court in Milimani, Nairobi, on May 13. Prof Ngugi led the five-judge bench that heard the case.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Gen Robert Kibochi – Authoritative communication
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi at the Kahawa Barracks on March 11, 2021 during the launch of the Covid-19 vaccination drive to the members of the Kenya Defence Forces.
Photo credit: Kanyiri Wahito | Nation Media Group
Dr Mercy Mwangangi – Graceful under pressure
Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Health Dr Mercy Mwangangi giving updates on the status of Covid-19 in the Country.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Dr Gitahi Githinji – Simplifying the complex
Kwame Owino – Economics for all
Institute of Economic Affairs CEO Kwame Owino at a past event.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Khalid Hussein – Authentic advocacy
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Photo credit: File photo | Nation Media Group
Waihiga Mwaura– Integrity, competency exemplified
Journalist Waihiga Mwaura.
Photo credit: Jeff Angote | Nation Media Group
Suzanne Silantoi – Graceful, sincere communication
Suzanne Silantoi Lengewa.
Photo credit: Courtesy
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha addressing Maseno School students on December 18, 2021.
Photo credit: Tonny Omondi | Nation Media Group
Prof George Magoha – Lacking in connection
Nick Mwendwa – Not ready for the game
Former Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
John Njuguna – Unprepared, incoherent communication
Kiambaa MP John Njuguna.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Pastor James Ng'ang'a of Neno Evangelism Centre.
Photo credit: File | Gerald Anderson | Nation Media Group
James Nga’ng’a – Vulgar, inappropriate content
Wafula Chebukati – Uninspiring
Wafula Chebukati, the chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Judicial Service Commission – Working a ‘bubble’
While the JSC ia a traditionally insular institution, it handles matters of high importance for the public.
National Police Service – Uninspiring communication
Growing pool of public intellectuals – Diminishing credibility
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission – Disjointed communication
The IEBC umpired a number of by-elections in 2021, which revealed that the commission has not learned any lessons from the past. It engaged in reactive as opposed to reactive communication.
