The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) has announced the onboarding of prominent communication and branding specialists to enhance its performance and delivery functions.
The appointments were made by Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff responsible for Performance and Delivery Management in Government.
The newly formed team brings together a wealth of expertise in strategic communication, branding, and media, aiming to strengthen the government’s stakeholder engagement and elevate the visibility of its programs and leadership.
Dr. Carol Mandi, a renowned strategic communications advisor, publisher, and editor, will lead the group. With extensive experience in media and public relations, Dr. Mandi has previously served as an advisor to the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy.
She is also the publisher of several magazines and a former managing editor of True Love Magazine. Additionally, she has served as a sub-editor at the Nation Media Group.
Dr. Mandi holds a Doctorate Degree from Veridian Christian University in the USA, an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, and a Bachelor of Education in Linguistics and Literature from Moi University.
Joining Dr. Mandi is Ms. Archie Achieng Ojany-Alai, a seasoned branding specialist and former Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Sports in Kisumu County. Ms. Ojany-Alai has also worked with Leo Burnett Advertising in London and McCann Erickson in Kenya.
She holds a Master of Arts in Advanced Marketing from Kingston University, a Postgraduate Degree in Leadership from Oxford University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi.
Boniface Odinga, a former KTN reporter and experienced communications expert, also joins the team. Mr. Odinga has lectured in journalism at USIU and Maseno University and served as Director of Communications in the County Government of Siaya.
Another appointee is Patrick Amimo, formerly a Bureau Chief at the Standard Group. Mr. Amimo has held roles such as KTN News Anchor, News Editor at Express TV, and Senior Reporter at NTV.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communications from the University of Nairobi’s School of Journalism.
Ms. Wambui Ng’ayu, an advertising and branding expert, brings her extensive experience to the GDU.
She has worked with leading advertising firms such as Scanad, Nuturn Bates, and Transcend Media and has held media roles at NTV and K24. She holds a Postgraduate Degree in Branding from Goldman Sachs in New York and a Bachelor’s Degree from Strathmore Business School.
Lastly, Alloyce Obare, a product development, branding, and delivery specialist, rounds out the team. Mr. Obare has served as a Delivery Advisor in the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, as well as Chief of Staff in the County Government of Siaya. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Digital Communications from London Metropolitan University.
In a statement, Mr. Owalo emphasized the importance of the team in advancing the government’s delivery agenda.
“These individuals have been onboarded to strengthen communication and stakeholder engagement on all aspects of performance and delivery in government,” he said. “They will help position the government, its leadership, projects, and programs effectively as viable products in the marketplace.”The new team is expected to play a crucial role in articulating government priorities, addressing public concerns, and ensuring that development initiatives are communicated effectively to citizens.
Strategic Communication for National Impact
The appointments come at a time when the government is keen to improve its performance monitoring and citizen engagement. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals, the GDU aims to foster transparency, build trust, and enhance the public’s understanding of government programs.
As these specialists begin their work, their collective experience in communication and branding is expected to bring fresh energy and innovation to the government’s delivery mechanisms, ensuring alignment with its broader development goals.