CIPR launches East African program

The UK-based Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has launched a program that will target PR practitioners in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda offering internationally accredited PR courses.

“This program is designed for those who wish to explore the now dynamic field of communication that embraces ICT to globalise the whole world. Governments and businesses across the world have started to invest substantially in the development of PR and the demand of accomplished, capable workers in this specie is rapidly escalating,” said Sue Wolstenholme, chairperson of the CIPR examiners.

Since 2000, the PR business in the region has grown which has seen the opening of several PR agencies and more companies contracting agencies to handle their public relations. In 2003, the Kenyan government set up the office of the government spokesman who is supposed to be the mouth piece of the government.

“The PR industry and practice in Kenya is still in its infancy. Sadly, it has been in that stage for many years now - since the early 1960s. However, it has grown rapidly in the last five or so years but it still has a lot of mileage to cover. Currently, the professionals are not recognised, underpaid, overworked and ill-equipped,” says Tom Kwanya, a PR practitioner and lecturer.

The CIPR courses will be taught by communication experts specially trained by the CIPR international trainers and will be offered at the Makini College.